[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces
Piano duet pieces performed with four hands simultaneously are all dazzling and cool! When choosing a piece to present at a recital, many people may wonder, “What kind of piece will make a big impression?” or feel stuck because “They all seem difficult, and I can’t decide…”.
So this time, from among luxurious and brilliant duet pieces, we’re introducing recommended works at the intermediate level! They all sound grand, but since the parts are shared between two players and there are many intermediate-level arrangements, these pieces are easy to try without feeling overwhelmed.
We hope this helps you choose your next duet piece.
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[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces (41–50)
From The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires: SpringÁstor Piazzolla
Argentine tango is a popular genre for piano duets.
In particular, the works of Astor Piazzolla, the father of Argentine tango, are very popular.
Among Piazzolla’s pieces, a work I especially recommend is Spring from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.
Its difficulty is on the higher end of intermediate, characterized by somewhat large leaps across the keyboard.
The dramatic dynamics also make it particularly striking to listen to.
Be sure to check it out.
[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets: A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces (51–60)
Suite “The Carnival of the Animals,” No. 14: FinaleCamille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns’s signature work, The Carnival of the Animals, is also very popular in Japan and often heard in media such as commercials.
Among its movements, I’d like to highlight the highly recommended Suite “The Carnival of the Animals,” No.
14: Finale.
As the title suggests, this piece crowns the suite as its finale, and its structure is suitably grand and brilliant.
It’s a piece that easily creates a vivid atmosphere, making it an excellent first choice for those attempting piano four hands for the first time.
Sing, Sing, SingLouis Prima
If you’re aiming for a show-stopping performance with a piano duet, why not step into the world of jazz? “Sing, Sing, Sing,” composed by Louis Prima, is a perfect fit for four-hand playing, with the distinctive rhythm and dynamism of swing jazz.
There are plenty of arrangements suitable for intermediate players, and its catchy melody line captivates both audience and listeners.
In particular, the sections inspired by clarinet and trumpet take on a fresh allure when played on the piano.
Little Suite No. 1: En bateauClaude Debussy
Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite is well known as a piece suitable for intermediate players.
This time, I’d like to introduce the especially famous first movement, En bateau.
In terms of difficulty, it sits right in the middle of the intermediate range.
Set in G major and 6/8 time, the piece is characterized by a melody that rides over wave-like broken chords, creating a sound that is both brilliant and refreshingly light.
It’s a staple for recitals, so be sure to give it a listen.
The Carnival of the Animals, No. 13: The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns
The Carnival of the Animals, a suite by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, is often performed as piano four-hands or on two pianos, eight hands.
The 13th movement, The Swan, is especially popular within the suite for its beautiful melody and elegant atmosphere, and it’s at a level that intermediate players can comfortably perform as a duet.
However, to convey the cello’s unhurried melody on the piano, you must maintain thorough legato so the sound never breaks for even an instant.
Because it’s a famous and impressive piece to listen to, those looking for a duet to perform at a recital should definitely check it out.
Dolly Suite, Op. 56: No. 4, Kitty WaltzGabriel Faure
Gabriel Fauré, the great French composer known for his fondness for unusual twists.
Among his works for piano four hands, the “Dolly Suite,” Op.
56 No.
4, “Kitty-Valse,” is especially popular.
As a movement from the middle of the suite, it is characterized by a calm, gentle waltz style.
In terms of difficulty, it’s roughly comparable to the first piece, the Berceuse.
It’s approachable even for beginners, so starting with this piece is highly recommended.
Beautiful RosemaryFritz Kreisler
As a sparkling and beautiful classical piano duet, I recommend Fritz Kreisler’s “Schön Rosmarin” (“Lovely Rosemary”).
It’s a piece that makes you feel as if you were at a ball, and Kreisler, a violinist, often performed it as an encore at his own concerts.
This work has been arranged for piano four hands, and it fills listeners with a sense of elegance.
It’s a three-beat waltz that is bright, dazzling, and easy to listen to.
The character is that of a typical Viennese waltz popular in 19th-century Vienna, and playing it on the piano can make you feel like nobility.
It’s also a great recommendation for anyone looking for classical piano duet repertoire.
