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Writer's pictureJeremy Bell

Dueling Pianos Repertoire Evolution

The repertoire for dueling pianos has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in musical tastes, technology, and performance styles. Here's a look at how it has developed and what influences have shaped it:


1. Early Influences and Classic Hits

Origins in Ragtime and Jazz: In the early days of dueling pianos, the repertoire was heavily influenced by ragtime and jazz. The format drew from these genres due to their energetic and improvisational nature, which suited the interactive style of dueling pianos. Pianists would often play lively, syncopated rhythms and engage in playful musical battles.

Classic Standards: As jazz evolved into the big band era and beyond, classic standards from composers like George Gershwin and Cole Porter became staples. Songs such as "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Night and Day" featured prominently, providing a sophisticated backdrop for dueling performances.


2. The Rock 'n' Roll Era

Incorporation of Rock and Pop: With the advent of rock 'n' roll in the 1950s and 1960s, dueling pianos began incorporating these new sounds. Hits by Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis found their way into dueling piano shows. The high-energy, crowd-pleasing nature of rock 'n' roll matched well with the dueling format.

1960s and 1970s Rock Classics: As rock continued to evolve, the repertoire expanded to include iconic rock classics from bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Queen. These songs allowed dueling pianists to showcase their skills in both energetic and intricate performances.


3. The Rise of Pop and Disco

80s and 90s Pop Hits: The 1980s and 1990s saw an influx of pop and dance music into the dueling pianos scene. Hits from artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince became popular choices. The inclusion of synthesizers and electronic elements in these songs provided a new challenge and variety for pianists.

Disco Fever: Disco music, with its infectious beats and catchy melodies, also made its mark. Songs by artists like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees were often incorporated, adding a danceable, upbeat element to dueling piano shows.


4. The Modern Era

Contemporary Pop and Rock: In recent years, the dueling pianos repertoire has continued to evolve, incorporating contemporary pop and rock hits. Artists like Adele, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran have become common features in modern dueling piano shows. The adaptability of the format allows for a seamless integration of new music trends.

Hip-Hop and EDM: The rise of hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM) has also influenced dueling pianos. While EDM is less of a popular request category, songs like Every Time We Touch by Cascada or Dancing On My Own by Robin are pretty popular requests. Although these genres are primarily associated with different types of instrumentation, creative arrangements and medleys have brought elements of these styles into dueling piano performances.


5. Thematic and Interactive Elements

Themed Shows: Dueling pianos have increasingly embraced themed shows, such as those centered around holidays (Christmas, Halloween) or special events (weddings, birthdays). The repertoire for these shows often includes a mix of classic hits and theme-specific songs tailored to the occasion. All I Want for Christmas Is You is a staple during the Christmas season but will even get requested throughout the year. Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer, Last Christmas by WAM, and many others will sneak their way into shows during the holiday season.

Audience Requests and Improvisation: One of the hallmarks of dueling pianos is the interactive nature of the performance. Pianists often take requests from the audience, which keeps the repertoire fresh and varied. The ability to improvise and adapt on the spot is a key aspect of the performance, ensuring that each show is unique.

Mashups and Medleys: Modern dueling piano performances frequently include mashups and medleys, blending songs from different genres or eras into a single performance. This approach showcases the versatility of the pianists and keeps the audience engaged with unexpected and dynamic arrangements.


6. Future Trends

Integration of Technology: Looking ahead, technology may further influence the repertoire and performance style of dueling pianos. Innovations such as digital effects, live-looping, and even AI-generated music could open new possibilities for creativity and interaction.

Global Influences: As global musical influences continue to merge, dueling pianos might incorporate a wider variety of international genres and styles. Throughout the United States, many Latin songs are becoming more popular. Despascito, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, Vivir Mi Vida, and Titi Me Pregunto are fairly popular song reuqests.

The evolution of dueling pianos repertoire reflects broader trends in music and entertainment, demonstrating the genre's adaptability and ongoing relevance. Whether revisiting classic hits or embracing new musical styles, dueling pianos continue to captivate audiences with their lively and interactive performances.

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