Duo

What it means

Duo refers both to an ensemble of exactly two musicians and to a composition written for such a combination. The term is used mainly for instrumental pairings, such as two string instruments, two pianos, or a melody instrument with piano accompaniment.

Musical use

Duos occur in almost every period and genre, from sonatas for violin and piano to duos for two like instruments and jazz duos such as guitar and bass. The small forces allow especially close musical communication between the two performers, since each part remains clearly audible and ensemble and balance are immediately perceptible.

A duo should be distinguished from a duet, which in the narrower sense refers to a vocal piece for two singers, although the two terms are used synonymously in some contexts. It differs from a trio through having one fewer performer, which noticeably changes the compositional possibilities and the distribution of musical roles.

Performance practice

In a duo, practise the precise joint starting and ending of phrases especially carefully, since with only two parts any imprecision in ensemble playing becomes clearly audible. As a duo, deliberately seek eye contact and physical cues for tempo changes or entrances, so you can stay coordinated without a third, mediating voice.