duet

A duet is a musical composition or performance designed for two performers. In vocal music it typically features two singers whose lines are interwoven, harmonized, or traded between parts; in instrumental music a duet can be written for two instruments, including two players on one instrument such as piano four hands.

The term comes from the Italian duetto, a diminutive of duo, meaning a small two-part work. In English, duet can refer to either the piece itself or the performance by the two performers.

In classical repertoires, duets appear across operas, oratorios, and chamber music. They can be dramatic occasions for two characters to express contrasting viewpoints or shared sentiment. In Renaissance and Baroque styles, two-voice textures, canons, and paired vocal lines explore polyphony; in opera the duet often culminates scenes or develops relationships. Instrumental duets also occur, ranging from two violins to a piano duet, each emphasizing dialogue and balance between parts.

In contemporary music, duets are common in pop, jazz, and cross-genre contexts. A duet song may pair a lead and a guest artist, or present two equal vocal lines with harmonies and an exchange of verses. Instrumental duets likewise showcase interaction between two performers, highlighting timing and conversational phrasing.

Duets emphasize interaction, balance of parts, and coordination between performers. They provide a flexible format for exploring melody, expression, and collaborative performance across a wide range of styles.