[Piano Duets] Perfect for recitals! A carefully curated selection of brilliant, crowd-pleasing works
Playing a piano together by two people is called a duet, also known as piano for four hands, and it has a unique charm different from solo piano.
While regular piano lessons are basically one-on-one with a teacher, many people might want to try a duet with friends or family at regularly held piano recitals.
On the other hand, when you look for sheet music, it can be hard to come up with suitable duet pieces, which can be a challenge.
So this time, we’re introducing recommended piano duet works that will shine at recitals! Some of the selected pieces even include links to the sheet music, which is very convenient.
They’re perfect not only as recital pieces but also for teachers’ performance numbers.
By all means, use this as a reference when choosing duet pieces to liven up your recital!
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[Piano Duets] Perfect for recital performances! A carefully curated selection of brilliant, recommended pieces (51–60)
typhoon→Pia-no-jaC
This piece is by the duo →Pia-no-jaC←, featuring HAYATO on piano and HIRO on the cajón, a percussion instrument originating in Peru.
The original is written for piano and cajón, but sheet music for piano four-hands aimed at intermediate to advanced players is also available.
With its stylish, contemporary vibe, it’s sure to hook you once you play it! In addition to clearly articulating the lively rhythms, be sure to breathe together and align your timing perfectly in sections where the tempo changes or the dynamics shift abruptly.
Suite “The Nutcracker,” Op. 71a, No. 8: Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Nutcracker.
It’s a famous operatic work well known in Japan as well.
This time, we’re featuring “The Nutcracker Suite, Op.
71a: No.
8, Waltz of the Flowers.” As the piece that concludes the suite, it’s characterized by being a highly brilliant, sumptuous waltz.
It’s not an easy work, but since it’s frequently used in commercials and the like, it’s a must-listen for those who want to prioritize catchiness for a recital.
Military March No. 1Franz Schubert
From its bold, fanfare-like opening, a grand world for piano four hands unfolds.
Inheriting Vienna’s illustrious military-band tradition, powerful and brilliant melodies intertwine with sparkling harmonies in exquisite balance.
Franz Schubert composed this work in 1822 with performances among friends in mind.
Frequently chosen as background music for films and documentaries, it captivates with the tension and dynamic expression of two pianos in dialogue.
Performed by four hands in perfect sync, it is a highly recommended piece for pianists seeking a richer musical experience.
Hungarian Dance No. 2Johannes Brahms
Originally composed as a piano duet, this piece is a passionate work inspired by Hungarian folk music.
Short phrases are repeated with richly nuanced dynamics woven throughout, creating an irresistible appeal that draws the listener in.
Published in 1869, it has since been arranged in various forms and performed in diverse settings, including orchestral versions and violin duets.
The fusion of powerful rhythms and emotionally rich melodies fully showcases the unique allure of the piano duet.
It is an ideal work for duet players seeking expressive performances, as well as for music lovers in search of a passionate masterpiece imbued with the flavor of folk music.
It is also recommended for those who wish to enjoy a weighty sonority and the tension of spirited interplay.
[Piano Duet] Perfect for recitals! A carefully selected list of recommended, dazzling pieces (61–70)
“Arabesque” from Burgmüller for Two PianistsTabuchi Saeko
One of Johann Burgmüller’s representative works, “Arabesque,” remains beloved by many performers and fans today.
This modern arrangement, “Burgmüller’s ‘Arabesque’ for Two Pianists,” reimagines the classic with a stronger jazz flavor, resulting in an overall dazzling impression.
The difficulty level is on the higher end of intermediate, so it’s not something to attempt lightly—but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
A cool and addictive piece I recommend for piano duets is Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born.” Since its release on January 7, 2024, its momentum hasn’t stopped, and it even reached No.
1 globally in YouTube’s weekly song rankings for March 8–14.
With a rap-style groove, snappy tempo, and a cool yet slightly mysterious vibe, it’s the kind of track that will stick in anyone’s head after just one listen.
“Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” has been arranged for piano while preserving the strengths of the original, making it suitable for duet performance.
The up-tempo piano arrangement almost lets you “hear” the lyrics—“cheat, gifted, daring trick, wanted”—coming through the keys.
When performing it, it’s crucial to capture the rap-like feel, the singable melody, and the rhythmic phrasing.
It’s a piece that’s fun both to play and to listen to.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is the theme song for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024.
The word “Lilac” in the title carries the flower-language meanings of “friendship” and “memories of youth,” and it seems to evoke the adolescence of the protagonists from Oblivion Battery, a Japanese manga by Eko Mikawa that started serialization on Shonen Jump+ in 2018.
The most striking element is the opening electric guitar phrase.
It’s faithfully reproduced in the piano duet arrangement as well, making it a perfect spot for performers to showcase their technique.
The refreshing phrase that begins with the lyric “Another day passes by” fits beautifully on the piano, too.
With two people playing, the piano sound gains even more depth.
For fans of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE who can play the piano, this is sure to be an irresistible piece.