The tradition of piano duet recitals began during the eighteenth century. It was highlighted in concerts throughout Europe by Mozart and his sister, Nannerl. Most of the great composers of the Classic and Romantic eras contributed to the four-hand repertoire.
In the nineteenth century when the vogue of this particularly intimate art reached its peak, such musicians as Schubert, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Clara Schumann were outstanding participants, both as composers and performers. Piano duet recitals were heard less often during the first half of this century, but in recent years there has been a strong revival of interest in four-hand performances.