Advanced Four-Hand Repertoire

[gapoc459]

Any suggestions for good four-hand piano repertoire? My friend and I are competent pianists, so we should be able to handle pretty much anything in the repertoire.

I'm familiar with the Schubert F minor Fantasy, which I ADORE (!!!!), but it's a bit looooong...

I haven't looked into the Mozart sonatas, but I've heard of them, so I'll check those out.

And I know about Brahms and Dvorak; but haven't listened to them in a while.


So any specific recommendations, either from what I've mentioned above, or something else? Also, preferably nothing modern (unless it's absolutely ridiculously amazing! ).

Basically, I'm looking for something that can make an impression, relatively challenging, and also good quality music.

[j_menz]

Basically, I'm looking for something that can make an impression, relatively challenging, and also good quality music.

Tausig did a four hand version of his Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner) transcription. That should meet your needs pretty well.

[birba]

Rite of spring.  You can get it on line.

[quantum]

Grainger arranged a number of his pieces for 2p4h.  

Also, preferably nothing modern (unless it's absolutely ridiculously amazing! ).

Messiaen - Visions de l'Amen 

[rondeaufantastique]

Well, you said nothing modern... and you seem to be a classical pianist of course. I am too. However, I can't help but love William Bolcom's ragtime duet "The Serpent's Kiss". It's from his Garden of Eden suite and it also comes in a solo version. One catch: it does require two pianos so it may not fit your definition of 4 hands piano.

It features lots of effects such as tap dancing or piano slapping, whistling, tongue clicking, and foot stomping. It's stupidly fun to play, and to listen to. This is s link to the solo version.

 https://m.youtube.com/index?&desktop_uri=%2F#/watch?v=MzorssRJce4

Sorry for the long winded reply, I'm new at this 

[quantum]

There is Rachmaninoff - 6 Morceaux Op.11 for 1p4h.

[jgendron]

Hey !
If you are really motivated, there's the Chopin Rondo in C Major. Challenging piece for both pianists. Plus, it is really really interesting and pretty unusual for Chopin's style.

Of course, Stravinsky is also a good choice.

[patrickd]

Medtner's Knight Errant op 58 no 2 for 4 hands two pianos is an awesome piece of music.

[nanabush]

Mendelssohn Andante and Variations (it has some REALLY difficult movements).  The last variation and the Coda is a complete monster on it's own for one person.  It is a VERY beautiful piece though, with even distribution of parts for both people.

Ravel Rhapsodie Espagnole...

Rachmaninoff 'Pacques', or that entire set... really cool stuff.

[virtuoso80]

I performed a Shostakovich Suite for Two Pianos in college. The moment I found it on the shelf in the music library and looked through it, I knew I had to play it. I still LOVE it. The youtube performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qULsXZk2t1k IMO doesn't do full justice to it. I can be a real crowd-pleaser if done well.

[vikktorious]

Claude Debussy: En Bateau !!
- One of my favorite 4-hand composition )) And playing Debussy is such a beauty... I am playing the Arabesque myself now, and it is so.... Fills your heart with love and music

[birba]

I agree with you.  It's really beautiful.  But hardly "advanced".

[patrickd]

Ravel's La Valse.