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[For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

“What piece should I play at the piano recital?” From the day you find out you’ll be performing, you probably start thinking about what to play just like that!

Choosing a piece is exciting, but many people also find it hard to decide, don’t they?

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended pieces for piano recitals, especially for adults.

We’ve picked a wide range of famous pieces, so please choose according to your own level!

[For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Carefully Curated Selection of Impressive Masterpieces (111–120)

Impromptu of the WindNakata Yoshinao

Yoshinao Nakada: Improvisation of the Wind / Shitaku Hara (43rd Prizewinner Commemorative Concert, A1 Division [Gold Prize])

Impromptu of the WindNakata Yoshinao

One track included in the album “Children’s Dreams” is striking for its refreshing melody that feels like a breeze passing through.

Its light, flowing, and free melodic line is pleasing to the ear, and the use of glissando adds a captivating touch that shines in recitals.

This 1-minute-20-second miniature blends graceful phrases with delicate touch, fully drawing out the piano’s expressive power.

Selected as a required piece for the Grade C category of the 2011 PTNA Piano Competition, it’s recommended for those who want to refine their technique while savoring the joy of music.

With natural fingerings that consider different hand sizes, it’s designed so anyone can enjoy playing it.

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Children’s Album, Volume 1, “Picture Book of Boyhood”: No. 7, Hobbyhorse (Cavalry)Aram Khachaturian

Wooden Horse (Khachaturian – Childhood Photograph)

Children's Album, Volume 1, “Picture Book of Boyhood”: No. 7, Hobbyhorse (Cavalry)Aram Khachaturian

Watch “Children’s Album, Volume 1, ‘Picture Book of Boyhood’: No. 7, Hobbyhorse (Cavalry) Aram Khachaturian” on YouTube

This piece features a lively triple meter that races lightly forward, brilliantly capturing the innocent playfulness of children.

Rich in narrative character, it deftly portrays in music the swaying sensation of kids riding a hobbyhorse and the exhilaration of playing cavalry.

Selected from a set of piano miniatures composed in 1926, it is rhythmic yet infused with a mysterious aura that captivates listeners.

Despite its simple accompaniment, it possesses a unique charm, making it an ideal addition to the performance repertoire of piano students.

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“Arpeggio,” No. 4 from the Grandes études de PaganiniFranz Liszt

Liszt – Paganini Etude S. 140, No. 4b [Huang Yi-Chung]

“Arpeggio,” No. 4 from the Grandes études de PaganiniFranz Liszt

This is a grand set of variations that arranges Paganini’s violin work for piano.

First published in 1838, it underwent revisions to reach its current form.

In the eleven variations that follow the theme, piano-specific techniques such as tremolos, octaves, and arpeggios are lavishly employed.

Composed by Franz Liszt after being impressed by Paganini’s performances, with the aim of achieving violin-like expression on the piano, the piece combines dazzling brilliance that captivates audiences with profound musicality.

The beauty of its textures and development fully brings out the piano’s allure, making it a popular work in concerts and piano competitions.

It is recommended for performers with solid technique and expressive ability, and is a piece that will make a strong impression at recitals.

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Carrying YouJoe Hisaishi

Carrying You / Azumi Inoue: Piano (Solo) / Beginner

Carrying You Joe Hisaishi

Among Studio Ghibli’s music, “Carrying You” is one of the most popular pieces.

Expressing the world of the film “Castle in the Sky” with poignant sounds and lyrics, this work is performed in a variety of formats, including piano solo, choir, and ensemble.

Many arrangements are published by level, allowing you to play in an arrangement that suits you, making it perfect for recitals! The beginner versions have very simple note structures, yet thanks to the beautiful melody and harmony, they don’t give listeners the impression of being easy—another reason this piece is highly recommended.

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In conclusion

How was it? We’ve introduced a roundup of classic pieces recommended for adults to perform at piano recitals.

This time, we selected well-known and impressive works without limiting the difficulty level.

You can challenge yourself with something a bit more advanced than what you’re currently practicing for your recital, or choose a piece that feels just right for you.

Please use the pieces we introduced as a reference and pick the one that fits you perfectly so you can fully enjoy your recital.

Thank you for reading!