[Piano × Guitar] A roundup of perfect songs for sessions

Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Goosebumps! We tried a one-take, no serious rehearsal performance of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” with that legendary guitarist — a collaboration with Kotaro Oshio

A piano and guitar session is an unusual combination, but the harmony between the two instruments captivates listeners.

Among such pieces, I especially recommend Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Merry Christmas Mr.

Lawrence.” Its graceful melody can be expressed even more richly through the collaboration of both instruments.

While honoring the song’s unique atmosphere, enjoy the interplay between guitar and piano as you take in the unparalleled talent and originality of Ryuichi Sakamoto, a composer Japan proudly shares with the world.

The Umbrellas of CherbourgMichel Legrand

I Will Wait For You (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) - Michel Legrand Hiroyuki Tsutsui (gt) & Yuka Yanagihara (pf) GUITAR X PIANO

This piece was created for a 1964 French film in which every line is sung.

It portrays a sweet yet heartrending love story of two lovers torn apart by fate.

Their helpless vows of eternity and beautiful memories become a heart-clenching harmony that sinks deeply into the soul.

Supported by the piano’s rich chords and a poignantly singing guitar, it should become a moving performance that feels like a dialogue between the two.

It’s perfect for those who want to step into the role of the story’s protagonist and enjoy an emotionally expressive session.

Sonata in A minor, D 821, for Arpeggione and PianoFranz Schubert

Franz Schubert – Sonata Arpeggione – Duo Adentro

The chamber work Sonata in A Minor, D 821, for Arpeggione and Piano, composed by Franz Schubert in Vienna in 1824.

The arpeggione is a six‑string bowed instrument invented between 1823 and 1824, and because it had already fallen out of use by the time Schubert died, this piece has, to the present day, been performed and cherished on instruments such as the cello, viola, and guitar.

Since the arpeggione was played with a bow, performances on the guitar may differ from what Schubert intended.

However, the piece’s plaintive atmosphere pairs wonderfully with the guitar’s unadorned timbre.

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A Whole New WorldAlan Menken

[Acoustic Guitar & Piano] Tried arranging and performing “Merry-Go-Round of Life” and “A Whole New World” (short ver.)

It’s the grand love ballad that colors the scene in Disney’s Aladdin where the protagonists ride a magic carpet through the night sky.

The song portrays the exhilaration of stepping into an unknown world and the joy of forging the future with someone special.

While its sweeping imagery might seem daunting, it actually pairs beautifully with the gentle tones of piano and guitar! If the two instruments converse as they weave the melody, you can capture the original’s romantic atmosphere in a session to the fullest.

Detective Conan Main ThemeŌno Katsuo

[Electric Guitar & Piano] Tried arranging and performing “Detective Conan Main Theme”

The theme song from that famous detective anime that has been beloved since the TV broadcast began in 1996.

Its thrilling, fast-paced sound—where jazz and rock fuse—is striking, isn’t it? Listening to this piece brings to mind the protagonist uncovering the truth with sharp deductions.

The cool main melody on piano combined with the passionate rhythm driven by guitar further enhances the mysterious atmosphere.

And when two players lock in perfectly, the exhilaration of delivering a thrilling performance is truly exceptional.

Lupin the Third Theme ’78Ōno Yūji

[Electric Guitar & Piano] Tried performing "Lupin the Third Theme ’78" in a duo arrangement

Yuji Ohno’s “Lupin the Third Theme ’78” is an ideal piece for a piano and guitar session.

The expressive range of the piano and the guitar’s diverse timbres blend to highlight the cool, jazz-infused character of the music.

While the piano carries the melody and the guitar adds a light, lively rhythm—or conversely, the guitar takes the lead while the piano quietly supports with accompaniment—various arrangements can enhance the piece with a greater sense of dynamism.

Even beginner guitarists can add plenty of color with simple chord playing, making this a recommended piece for performers of various skill levels.

threadNakajima Miyuki

"Ito" Guitar/Piano

A masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima that likens a fateful encounter to a beautiful piece of woven fabric, resonating deeply in the heart.

Listening to it reminds you anew of the preciousness and warmth of human connection.

Originally released in October 1992 as a track on the album “EAST ASIA,” the song later became widely beloved when it was chosen as the theme for the drama “Seija no Kōshin” (“March of the Saints”).

Its simple, timeless melody becomes all the more moving as the rich resonance of the piano blends with the warm tones of the guitar.

If you perform it while thinking of someone dear to you, it will surely become an unforgettable moment.