Fanfare Toccata-Rondo - Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands): Piano Duets & Four Hands
By Dennis Alexander
Level: Late Intermediate
Item: 00-PB-0000690
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Description
Written for two pianos, four hands, this appealing piece features driving rhythms in both the melody and the accompaniment. Both piano parts are equal in difficulty and share the melody. Students will find this ensemble fun to play. Audiences will find it to be a real showstopper! A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.
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Sample Audio
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Fanfare Toccata Rondo
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Fanfare Toccata Rondo
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Sample Video
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Additional Details
Series:
The Alfred Ensemble Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
24
SKU:
00-PB-0000690
More about this title
About the Composer: Dennis Alexander
Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano music for over four decades, publishing more than 400 compositions through Alfred Music since 1986. His work spans all levels and has earned him recognition as one of today's most performed composers in music classrooms and festivals worldwide. Alexander spent 24 years teaching piano pedagogy at the University of Montana before relocating to California, where he held faculty positions at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. He remains active as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer, having made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987 and toured internationally to conduct master classes and lead workshops.
Beyond composition, Alexander has served the music education community as a former president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association and continues to mentor teachers at state and national conventions. His commissions from music organizations and his consistent selection in prestigious festivals underscore the practical musicality of his writing for student musicians.
Why we love this
Alexander's gift for writing equal parts that sound brilliant while remaining playable makes this an ideal choice when you need both pianists to feel like soloists. The Federation Festivals selection validates what your students will discover: driving rhythms and genuine musical content that excite an audience without requiring advanced technical facility.
What to expect
A burst of energy and pageantry. The piece moves with confidence and swagger, driven by rhythmic figures that propel both parts forward simultaneously. Listeners will hear two fully realized musical voices in conversation, not a soloist with accompaniment.
Who it's for
Late intermediate piano students ready for meaningful ensemble experience with a partner of equal ability. This works beautifully for festival entries, concert showcases, or classroom duet projects where you want both students invested in substantial musical material.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the rhythmic momentum between parts by having both pianists listen for the pulse rather than locking only to one another. The energy comes from shared forward motion, not rigid synchronization.
- Bring out the fanfare character in the opening passages by letting both pianos articulate crisply without dampening sustain too early. This piece thrives on clarity and resonance working together.
- Experiment with slight tempo flexibility at cadential moments to let the full sonority bloom. The two pianos create natural opportunities for breathing that enhance the rondo character.
- Separate the pianos spatially if your venue allows it. The writing benefits from space between the sound sources, making the dialogue between parts more dramatic.
How to use it
Perfect as an opening number for a recital or festival performance where you want immediate impact. Its 24 pages reward rehearsal time without overwhelming schedules, making it ideal for winter or spring festivals that require substantial repertoire. You can also pair it with solo repertoire from the same students to showcase different dimensions of their musicianship.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in ensemble settings with independent moving parts
- Balancing melody and accompaniment while maintaining partner awareness
- Reading and executing driving rhythmic figures across both hands
- Collaborating with a peer musician at the same proficiency level
- Sustaining momentum through multi-section forms (fanfare-rondo structure)