A duet is an ensemble of two participants, or a vocal piece for two voices with accompaniment. Translated from Italian duetto or Latin duo, the concept means "two." Duets are an integral part of opera, cantata, oratorios, operettas. In operetta, this ensemble is the most popular type of vocal performance.
Duet in opera
As an opera, the duet is dating from the 17th century, mainly at the end of acts. But at that time, this kind of vocal ensemble was quite rare. Since the 18th century, the duet has been a compulsory number in opera buffa (comic character) and opera series (big serious performance).
Along with the development of the opera genre, the evolution of the concept took place. Sometimes, from a finished piece in the form, the duet turned into a dramatic scene.
The specificity of the opera ensemble is that it makes it possible to create a conflict situation, to show not only the development of an action, but also a clash of different characters. That is why it is sometimes used in the climax and final moments of opera action.
Unlike solo singing, the duet form of performance is the most spectacular. It allows you to achieve a more vivid impression. Indeed, a feature of human hearing is not only the ability to simultaneously perceive several melodies, but also an understanding of their relationship.
Duet in chamber vocal music
The duet can also be considered as an independent genre of chamber vocal music. In this capacity, he established himself in the mid-17th century.
The heyday of the chamber vocal duet takes place in the works of I. Brahms and R. Schumann. This happens in the 19th century. By this time, this form of performance becomes a continuation of solo chamber vocal music.
Duet development process
Initially, singing together was used as an enhancement to the melodic line. Duets were often built on a parallel movement of voices, and composers did not strive for independence of each of them. As a rule, in this case one image and one emotional state were presented.
Over time, they began to sing a duet differently. He is undergoing a change. Composers begin to duplicate the melody not in unison, but in an octave. Thus, this technique creates a sense of space in music. However, this does not contribute to freedom and emancipation of votes.
The next step in the development of the duo is the polyphonization of the texture. It is in this case that the voices become independent and contribute to a combination of different characters and moods.
Instrumental
Another meaning of the duet is a piece of music for two instrumentalists or for a pair of leading instrumental voices with accompaniment. Previously, this title denoted a two-voice composition for one performer.
In the 18th century, works for two performers were called dialogue and sonata. The genre of instrumental duet gained immense popularity in Europe, especially in France. Enormous distribution of the transposition of existing works to music for duet performance: for two flutes, clarinets, violins, etc.
The most popular and developed compositions were for two pianists, who are also called the “four-handed game”.
One of the most common and relevant ensembles in our time is a duet. How many people who compose music turned to this form of performance, how many changes it underwent.