[Beginner] Recommended for adult piano beginners! Beautiful & stylish piano pieces

Ave MariaCharles Gounod

Bach/Gounod – Ave Maria

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Many people have probably heard the words “Ave Maria” at least once, and many will think, “Oh, that song.” That said, have you ever had the experience where the “Ave Maria” you had in mind turned out to be a different piece when you talked with a friend? “Ave Maria” itself is a line from the Latin Catholic liturgy, and because pieces inspired by it are called “Ave Maria,” there are many different “Ave Maria” works around the world.

Among them, the “Ave Maria” composed in 1859 by the French composer Charles Gounod is a widely known vocal piece, and this article introduces its piano arrangement.

The arrangement is very simple with relatively few notes, so please practice slowly, paying attention to places where the roles of the right and left hands switch.

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KOH-1

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Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rachmaninov

Daniil Trifonov – Rachmaninov: Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (Extended Version, Arr. Trifonov)

With its weighty, shaded melodies, the style of Sergei Rachmaninoff—the great composer of Celosia, who conveys both delicacy and grandeur—resounds deeply in the listener’s heart.

The piece introduced here, Vocalise, is one of Rachmaninoff’s most famous songs with piano accompaniment, a beloved masterpiece that has been arranged not only for solo piano but for many different instruments.

Listening to its exquisitely beautiful, melancholic main theme feels as though you’re catching a glimpse of a page from someone’s life.

Precisely because it has no lyrics, it challenges the performer’s imagination and expressive power.

I recommend hearing not only the original Vocalise for voice and piano, but also the many arrangements mentioned above!

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To the Wild RoseEdward MacDowell

[Piano Recital Recommendation] To a Wild Rose ♪ MacDowell / 野ばらに寄す, MacDowell

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The first piece from Edward MacDowell’s Woodland Sketches, Op.

51, known in Japan as “Nobara ni yosete.” Its gentle melody is soothing, making it a beautiful work.

Thanks to its simple structure, it’s approachable even for beginner pianists and is included in several beginner-friendly scores.

Because the piece progresses through resonant chords, it’s important to bring out the top melody line clearly and balance it with the accompaniment.

Aim for even tone so the melodic line doesn’t sound rough or choppy.

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yuri

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Variations in E-flat major, Op. 82, MWV U 158 — Theme: Andante assai espressivoFelix Mendelssohn

Variations in E-Flat Major, Op. 82, MWV U158: Theme. Andante assai espressivo

An elegant set of variations consisting of a theme and five variations.

Composed in July 1841, it bears the typical characteristics of the Romantic era while overflowing with profound emotional expression and delicate musicality.

The theme begins with a calm, expressively rich melody, followed by an ornamental first variation, a second variation characterized by harmonic changes, a lively third variation, and a quiet fourth variation.

In the fifth variation, the theme reappears, bringing the piece to a close with a beautiful afterglow.

With its approachable melody and a level of difficulty that can certainly be mastered through careful practice, this work is recommended for those who wish to explore Mendelssohn’s world or take on Romantic piano repertoire.

Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53 No. 1 “By the Seashore”Felix Mendelssohn

Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.53 no.1 in A flat Major

A quiet, poetically rich piano piece that evokes the gentle swell of waves and the murmur of a sea breeze.

Written in A-flat major, it was published in 1841 as the first piece of Album ‘Songs Without Words’ Book 4.

Its graceful sound world, woven from transparent harmonies and a beautiful melody, makes you feel as if a seaside landscape is unfolding before your eyes.

Though simple, it demands delicate expressiveness; with slow, careful practice, it can certainly be mastered.

It is an ideal piece for those who wish to practice in a relaxed atmosphere or to refine their expressive skills.

Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53 No. 2 “Floating Clouds”Felix Mendelssohn

Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.53 no.2 in E flat Major

While the structure—melody in the right hand and accompaniment in the left—is simple, its flowing lines evoke clouds drifting across the sky, making it a beautiful piece.

Although considered intermediate in difficulty, careful, unhurried practice will certainly make it attainable.

Included in the album Songs Without Words, the work captivates with its graceful atmosphere and poetic expression.

It calls for the rich expressiveness characteristic of the Romantic era and a delicate touch, yet since its publication in 1841 it has remained a beloved classic.

With its gentle melody and rhythm, it’s a calming piece well-suited to home performance.

“Butterflies,” Op. 2: No. 10, “Unmasking the Mask”Robert Schumann

Waltz in C major “Vivo” (Papillons, Op.2, No.10) – Robert Schumann

An early piano suite by Robert Schumann, captivating for its thrilling melodies and delicate expression.

Comprising just twelve short pieces, this work is a small collection of stories that musically depicts a masked ball.

Written in 1831, it reaches its dramatic climax in No.

10, vividly portraying the moment when masks are exchanged.

Inspired by literature, the music offers a world rich in Romantic lyricism while remaining accessible to beginners.

It’s perfect for those who have just started the piano or who want a sense of accomplishment with short pieces.

Since it isn’t technically demanding, it’s also ideal for honing expressive skills.