Current State and Retrospective of Piano Duets Development

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to shed light on contemporary piano ensemble performance, particularly duet execution, within the context of its traditions, historical antecedents, and current trends. The article examines the piano duet in its present-day stage and its retrospective development. The research task attempts to trace the genre's retrospective evolution in accordance with the contemporary process and uncover the main modifications within the ensemble genre and its evolution. The methodological framework of the research is founded on conceptual principles of genre theory, the fundamental aspects of systemic-analytical, art-historical, historical, and comparative approaches serving as the methodological basis for studying ensemble genres. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the first-ever attempt in Ukrainian musicology to characterise the main tendencies of the retrospective analysis of piano duets as a potentially prospective genre in the development of contemporary performing arts. Conclusion. A contemporary review of the primary strategies of duet performance in the realm of piano artistry reflects the experiments conducted by academic musicians involved in piano ensembles. Their active creative work aims to explore new forms of artistic communication both among musicians and between the ensemble and its audience, defining the characteristics of modern duet performance. Therefore, the focus on revitalising piano ensemble creativity, especially duet performance, introduces novel approaches to presenting artistic achievements in this field, affirming the relevance of classical art and the significance of piano duets as a unique phenomenon in contemporary culture, particularly concerning the evolution of the music industry.

Keywords: Piano Ensemble; Duo Performance; Retrospective; Genre; Music Industry.