[Beginner] Recommended Piano Duets | A curated selection of pieces enjoyable for both adults and children

My Neighbor Totoro ‘Catbus’Hisaishi Joe

Catbus, My Neighbor Totoro, Ghibli, solo four-hands (one-person duet), “Duet pieces I want to play at a recital,” “Fun duet pieces.”

The piece used in the film’s brisk, whimsical vehicle scene is notable for its warm sound in A-flat major and its bouncy rhythm.

The melody, unfolding at a speedy tempo, evokes a mysterious nighttime adventure.

Characterized by a fast tempo and an appealing melodic line, this work is perfect for piano four hands.

By synchronizing breathing and listening to each other’s sound while playing, performers can experience the joy of piano performance.

Since the film’s release in 1988, this piece has continued to be loved by many music enthusiasts, and through four-hand performance it serves as a fine work that fosters bonds across generations.

Frequently performed in a variety of arrangements, it is also ideal for recitals.

Because the difficulty varies by part, it can be enjoyed by different pairings—teacher and student, parent and child, and more.

A Town with an Ocean ViewHisaishi Joe

From Kiki's Delivery Service: "A Town with an Ocean View" — Piano, duet by sisters

The piece “A Town With an Ocean View” that appears in the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

When you think of Kiki’s Delivery Service, many people probably picture this work, don’t they? Its difficulty level is about mid-beginner.

While the main melody involves a bit of leaping on the keyboard, it’s basically a simple, easy-to-play arrangement.

The tempo marking is straightforward as well, so sight-reading should be easy.

As for the accompaniment, depending on the score you use, faster arpeggios may appear, making it feel a bit more challenging than the main melody.

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Ryo

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons “Resident Services”Todaka Ikusei

[Official Sheet Music] Animal Crossing: New Horizons BGM [Piano Duet] (Choral Draft)

This piece comes from Nintendo’s popular Animal Crossing series, specifically Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and is characterized by its warm, gentle melody.

While helping players relax, it features a simple yet memorable and pleasing tune.

Subtle arrangement changes occur depending on the time of day, and the soft tones of piano and synthesizer evoke the atmosphere of a peaceful life.

It also works wonderfully as a duet for two players, allowing you to enjoy the harmony between the melody and chord parts and spend a leisurely time through music.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to share a gentle moment while playing in sync as a pair.

HumoresqueAntonín Dvořák

⑤ Even beginners can play 🔰 'Humoresque' by Dvořák – Piano Duet. From 'Piano Duet Collection for Adults' / A beautiful duet piece.

This is an elegant miniature in which the musical sensibilities of the composer’s native Czech Republic and his adopted United States are seamlessly fused.

The contrast between the lively, rhythmical main section and the somewhat wistful middle section is striking, and its graceful melody also carries elements of Bohemian folk music.

Completed during a summer holiday at home in 1894, the work combines brightness with profound emotion.

It has become widely beloved in Japan as well, being used as background music in Studio Ghibli’s short film “Ghiblies episode 2” and in “Chibi Maruko-chan,” among others.

There is also an arrangement for piano four hands, making it especially appealing in the way it lets two players share the joy of making music together.

Simple yet deeply moving, this piece is an excellent choice for those who wish to experience the wonder of music through duet playing.

Quintet Theme ‘Evening Quintet’Miyagawa Akira

[Beginner] Quintet Theme 'Evening Quintet'

This is a popular theme song that aired as the opening theme of NHK Educational TV’s music appreciation program from April 2003 to March 2013.

Its bright, lively rhythm and approachable melodic line are memorable, as are the unique lyrics that rhythmically weave in the Japanese syllabary.

The lyrics also change with each of the four seasons, artfully depicting scenes at dusk.

In December 2005, the work won the top prize in the Children and Youth Programs category at the 42nd ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) General Assembly held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Loved as a piece parents and children can enjoy performing together, it is also a popular choice for piano duets.

Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Even Beginners Can Play: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence / Piano Duet / from the Piano Duet Collection for Adults

This instrumental piece is widely known as the main theme of the film Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence, directed by Nagisa Oshima.

It is notable for its wine glass sampling sounds, echoing the title, and a low register with an Eastern atmosphere.

Included on the soundtrack of the film released in 1983, it masterfully fuses an oriental melody with Western harmony, creating a distinctive sound world closely tied to the film’s narrative.

Its mysterious sound evokes the island of Java, where the story is set, strongly reflecting the film’s themes of cultural and ideological conflict.

The piece is arranged as a piano duet suitable even for beginners, and it makes a striking impression in recital performances.

Dragon Quest V “Overture”sugiyama kouichi

[High-Quality Audio] Dragon Quest V "Overture" / Piano Duet / Tokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony Parade Entrance Theme

While searching for a piano duet piece for a recital, game music is also an option.

The “Overture” from the beloved national hit series Dragon Quest captivates audiences from its opening fanfare and is performed throughout the franchise.

Included in the piano collection “Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride,” supervised by Koichi Sugiyama, it can be performed with a level of fidelity that closely recreates the game’s original sound when using that score.

Frequently arranged for orchestra, the piece has a distinctly classical resonance, and its brilliant, grand melody will surely invite listeners into a hero’s adventure.

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sai-kisaragi

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