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In 1940, at the suggestion of his publisher and agent, Heinsheimer, Bartók orchestrated his Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion as Concerto for Two Pianos, Percussion and Orchestra. The parts for the four soloists were essentially unchanged.

The score requires four performers: two pianists and two percussionists, who play seven instruments between them: timpani, bass drum (gran cassa), cymbals, triangle, snare drum (both on- and off- snares), tam-tam (gong) and xylophone. In the published score the composer provides highly detailed instructions for the percussionists, stipulating, for example, which part of a suspended cymbal is to be struck with what type of stick. He also provides precise instructions for the platform layout of the four players and their instruments.