St. Matthew Passion Suite for Two Pianos - Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands): Piano Duets & Four Hands
By Johann Sebastian Bach / arr. Greg Anderson
Level: Advanced
Item: 00-PB-0000565
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Description
Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe are perhaps the most thrilling young duo performing today, offering adrenalized classical concerts that are revolutionizing the piano duo experience for the 21st century. Described as "Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers transposed from the dance floor to the keyboard" (The Southampton Press) and "the intense synchronization of genius" (ThirdCoast Digest), Greg and Liz bring their joyous camaraderie and refined artistry to the concert stage, dazzling audiences around the world as a four-hand and two-piano team.
The Anderson & Roe Duos & Duets series features inspiring arrangements as performed by the duo---from settings of treasured opera melodies to medleys of popular movie music. The pieces are edited with fingering and other directions that facilitate rehearsal and performance, making them accessible for advancing students as well as for concert performers.
Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Matthew Passion, considered one of the monuments of music literature, is filled with multidimensional levels of symbolism, theological understanding, and psychological insight. In this awe-inspiring arrangement for two pianos, four hands, five movements from the original work have been carefully selected. Together they retain the dramatic arch of the story, but pare the music down to a more manageable duration suitable for performance on recitals. Two copies required. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.
The Anderson & Roe Duos & Duets series features inspiring arrangements as performed by the duo---from settings of treasured opera melodies to medleys of popular movie music. The pieces are edited with fingering and other directions that facilitate rehearsal and performance, making them accessible for advancing students as well as for concert performers.
Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Matthew Passion, considered one of the monuments of music literature, is filled with multidimensional levels of symbolism, theological understanding, and psychological insight. In this awe-inspiring arrangement for two pianos, four hands, five movements from the original work have been carefully selected. Together they retain the dramatic arch of the story, but pare the music down to a more manageable duration suitable for performance on recitals. Two copies required. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.
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Additional Details
Series:
Anderson & Roe Duos & Duets
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
32
SKU:
00-PB-0000565
More about this title
About the Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685, 1750) shaped the foundation of Western music through his mastery of counterpoint, harmonic innovation, and structural brilliance. His sacred works, including the St. Matthew Passion, stand as towering achievements in music literature, combining theological depth with musical sophistication that continues to challenge and inspire musicians across every generation.
Why we love this
Anderson and Roe's arrangement distills one of music's greatest works into a performance package that lands with genuine impact. Five carefully chosen movements preserve the dramatic sweep of the Passion narrative while respecting recital realities, and the editing acknowledges what advanced pianists actually need to succeed on stage.
What to expect
Sacred, introspective, and structurally immense. This arrangement carries the weight of the original's theological and emotional journey, moving through moments of anguish and contemplation with the kind of contrapuntal clarity that makes Bach's voice unmistakable even when condensed for two pianos.
Who it's for
Advanced piano duos preparing for recitals, festival competitions, or concert performances who want to tackle substantive repertoire without the logistical demands of the full Passion. Students with solid technique and interpretive maturity will find an arrangement that respects Bach's architectural genius while remaining genuinely performable.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two piano lines by establishing clear hierarchy before you rehearse; identify which hand or instrument carries the primary melodic voice in each section and build your dynamic planning from that foundation.
- Anchor your entries to the conductor's prep gestures rather than relying solely on counting; Bach's phrases often breathe unpredictably, and visual communication prevents the brittle, metronomic feel that kills this music.
- Work the pedal together from the first rehearsal. Two pianos create acoustic challenges, so coordinate your sustain and una corda choices to blend rather than cloud the counterpoint.
- Record yourselves regularly. The emotional arc of five movements demands consistent pacing and narrative coherence, which you'll hear clearly only on playback.
How to use it
Open a recital with this substantial work to signal artistic ambition and command attention, or place it as a closing encore when you want to leave the audience in quiet reflection. The five-movement structure and dramatic arc also make it a natural centerpiece for a program exploring Bach's sacred output alongside other Baroque keyboard repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing Bach's contrapuntal writing across two independent keyboard parts
- Sustaining long-line phrasing through complex harmonic progressions and key areas
- Coordination and communication between two pianists, including entrance cues and tempo stability
- Pedal management in a two-instrument ensemble without sacrificing textural clarity
- Interpretive choices in sacred music that honor historical style while connecting with contemporary audiences