Hello all
Me and my friend do a lot of duets together, and recently we've been learning (well, TRYING to learn) a duet for 2 pianos. The fact that it IS for 2 pianos isn't hard, we have facilities to practise that, but it's the fact that it's so hard to learn! It doesn't really seem to have a tune at all, and because I hate it so much I can't feel inspired to learn it- and we have to perform it in 2 different festivals in 2 weeks time! Is there anyone who can already play it, or TRIED to play it, who can give me advice on how to learn this little b*u*m* of a piece? It's by Arthur Benjamin, if that's any help

I only have the duet version for one piano.I didn`t find it especially hard,so all I can say is count in 4 quaver beats instead of 2/4.

I understand what you mean about it being uninspiring though.Sorry I can`t be of any more help.

Have you tried Schubert op.103 Fantasia in F Minor? That`s great.

Is that another duet?

Yes....

http://www.8notes.com/scores/1243.asp?ftype=ext

I went to a concert last night given by a professional piano duo. They played Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, and Rhapsody in Blue. They were amazing! I ahve never heard of a professional duo before - is is common?

Sorry I can't be any help ratzrule - good luck

Who where they? Two sisters?

It was two Italians - Angelo Molinaro and Valeria Finale (great name). It was part of The Oxford International Music Festival, it was amazing.

QUOTE (ratzrule @ Feb 20 2005, 12:08 PM)

Is that another duet?

The Schubert F Minor Fantasia is one of the greatest works for piano duet and is pretty high in his output too. It sets a few technical problems, but is substantially easier than "Jamaican Rumba". Once you have the notes and rhythm of the latter, you have to look at the metronome mark. It was set for the duet class at Bedford Festival with Arthur Benjamin adjudicating, and in his comments he said that the winners were the only ones to play it at the right speed.

Kenm

I would say the Fantasia is a lot more difficult than the Rumba,or is that just me?