[For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!

Wiener MarchCarl Czerny

“Wiener Marsch” Czerny [A piece that shines at piano recitals] Wiener Marsch / Carl Czerny / Piano / Piano / CANACANA

This Austrian piano march captivates with its clear rhythm and lively melody.

Evoking the elegance and sophistication of Vienna, it is a popular choice for piano recitals and concerts.

Although composed in the early 19th century, it continues to be cherished by many pianists and music lovers today, thanks to its dazzling expressive power that enthralls audiences.

It’s especially recommended for boys looking for a stylish, stage-worthy piece.

While it serves as solid technical practice, it also hones musical expression, making it a work that will significantly elevate the skills of anyone studying the piano.

Indian danceWilliam Gillock

Gillock: First Piano for Children, Indian Dance, pf. Sho Taguchi: TAGUCHI, Sho

This piece, inspired by Native American culture and rhythms, captivates with its simple yet powerful pulse and distinctive melody.

The drum-like accompaniment in the left hand is striking, while the right-hand melody unfolds in response.

Combining a steady beat with triplets, the work brims with the vigor and dynamism that many boys admire.

Included in the album “Two Indian Dances,” it also stands out for encouraging expressive playing as performers imagine the culture and stories behind the music.

Written in G major, its bright and lively character is sure to shine in recitals and competitions.

Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] A Dance and Song ♫ Yoshinao Nakada

This is a solo piano piece that begins with light 5/8-meter staccato and syncopation.

Rhythmic, dance-like elements alternate with an elegant singing melody, vividly capturing the exhilaration of a summer night and its serene afterglow.

Composed during the mature period of the composer, who served as a lecturer at Kobe Yamate Women’s Junior College in 1993, it is one of the most popular tracks among the 24 pieces included in the album “Children’s Dreams.” While incorporating Japanese-style elements, it possesses a universal appeal and is highly regarded as a recital repertoire.

It is recommended for those aiming to level up while enjoying piano performance, as it allows players to savor the beauty of melody and harmony while honing both technical skills and expressive depth.

Hansel and GretelDoitsu min’yō

Hansel and Gretel | Everyone’s Organ and Piano Book 2 (Yamaha)

This is a work handed down in Germany, based on the adventure story of a brother and sister who get lost in the forest.

Its charm lies in the exciting narrative combined with a lively melody, and the lyrics portray the siblings’ feelings as they summon courage to overcome hardships in the ominous woods.

It’s a perfect song for children who want to dive into the story’s world and become the characters themselves.

It was recorded on the album “Children’s Piano Album (Vol.

1)” in December 1998, and it has also been selected as a required piece for the 2024 PTNA Piano Grade Test.

With a structure where the left and right hands seem to tell different parts of the story, it’s recommended for children from age four who want to enjoyably develop their expressive abilities.

Children’s Music Concert, Op. 210: No. 15 “Little Romance”Cornelius Gurlitt

Gurlitt: Little Romance

Cornelius Gurlitt’s “Little Romance” is notable for its charming, music-box-like melody.

It’s included in many beginner-level piano collections and is also a popular choice for recitals.

Because it’s built from gentle broken chords and a simple single-line melody, even children who have only recently started learning piano should find it approachable.

To perform it more beautifully in a recital hall, aim to play with careful attention to the balance between the right and left hands.

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Happy WitchJane Bastien

Bastien: Happy Witch, pf. Yuichiro Nakada

The works of American composer Jane Bastien are approachable for children and ideal for the early stages of piano study.

This piece evokes a story featuring a cheerful witch.

Despite its short duration, it contains key elements for creating atmosphere, such as the use of staccato and pacing the silences.

Imagining a storyline in which the witch descends to earth and lifts the spirits of those who are feeling down will enable deeper expression.

By shaping the music as if it were a scene from a picture book or an animated film, you can bring out its full charm.

It’s a fun, educational piece that’s perfect for a five-year-old’s piano recital.

Chase the mysteryJuhara Ryoko

Chase the Mystery / Ryoko Kihara R. Kihara [Recommended for Piano Recitals]

A piece characterized by a mysterious, thrilling atmosphere.

Its storyline-like structure, which unfolds gradually from a suspenseful introduction, creates a sense of immersion reminiscent of game or anime background music.

Though only about the difficulty level of completing Beyer, it skillfully weaves in rhythmic changes and harmonic progressions, resulting in a work that shines on stage.

Included in the album “Piano Land 5: Sing and Play with Your Teacher” and published by Ongaku No Tomo Sha in February 1992, this piece is beloved for allowing performers to express the music as if telling a story.

Highly recommended for those who want to perform at recitals or competitions.

With a powerful performance, it is sure to captivate the audience.