Duet |

1) An ensemble of two performers.

2) Vocal piece for two different voices with instrumental accompaniment. An integral part of opera, oratorio, cantata, operetta (in operetta – the leading type of vocal ensemble); exists as an independent genre of chamber vocal music. In this sense, the name “duet” was established in chamber music in cep. 17th century, in opera – in the 18th century.

In operas of the 17th century. D. met occasionally, Ch. arr. at the end of acts, in the 18th century. firmly entered the opera buffa, and then the opera seria. The type of operatic drama evolved along with the development of the opera genre; sometimes, from a rounded whole, D. turned into a kind of drama. scenes. Chamber wok. D. reached its peak in the 19th century. (P. Schumann, I. Brahms), close to the solo chamber wok. music.

3) Designation of music. pieces for an ensemble of two performers, mostly instrumentalists (in the 16th century and vocalists, see above), as well as for two leading instr. voices with accompaniment (lat. duo, ital. due, letters – two, duetto). In some cases – and the designation of the tool. a piece of two-part warehouse, designed for one performer. Name “D.” often given to old trio sonatas, in which the general bass was not always included in the count of voices.

Pieces for two instrumentalists also had other names (sonata, dialogue, etc.); in the 18th century a name was established for them. “D.” At this time, the genre of instr. D. gained great popularity, especially in France; along with original compositions, numerous arrangements for similar compositions (2 violins, 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, etc.). D. (duo) often called compositions for two pianos. and for fp. in 4 hands (K. Czerny, A. Hertz, F. Kalkbrenner, I. Moscheles and others).