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

Liebestraum (Dream of Love)Franz Liszt

Tried playing “Liebesträume” again / Liszt / Liebesträume No. 3 / piano / CANACANA

Liebesträume is a very beautiful piano piece by Franz Liszt, the wizard of the piano.

Although it has a relaxed, elegant character, its difficulty is very high and it’s a piece with real substance to play.

However, if you let your effort show, it can spoil the beauty of the music, so a key point is how effortlessly you can deliver the highly technical passages.

As you steadily prepare for the recital, work through each of the challenges unique to Liszt’s writing—such as the wide leaps in the latter half and the sudden chords that appear out of nowhere—while practicing carefully and methodically.

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Ryo

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Home, Sweet Home (English folk song)Henry Bishop

Home, Sweet Home Piano (English folk song) [Song we sang at school] Pianist Yuki Kondo / Home, Sweet Home Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

A signature work by the English composer Henry Bishop, who was active in the early 19th century.

Recognized for his musical talent, Bishop was a brilliant composer who was knighted in 1842.

This piece, which he composed and is known in Japan as an English folk song, is characterized by its lyrical and emotionally rich melody.

It expresses feelings of “home” and “homeland,” and its universal theme resonates with many people.

The gentle, warm atmosphere of the melody makes it a standout at piano recitals.

It is a recommended piece for those who wish to perform with gratitude toward family and loved ones.

Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDimitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, Movement I (age 9)

This three-movement work, radiating a bright and lively atmosphere, is a delightful piece brimming with the joy of music.

The first movement opens with an impactful introduction of three resounding strong chords, followed by graceful melodies and a dynamic, rhythmic drive that leave a vivid impression.

Written in sonata form, it contrasts a spirited first theme with a lyrical, singing second theme.

In the development section, where the music changes rapidly, passages to be played jokingly alternate with those to be rendered cantabile, drawing out rich expressive possibilities.

By honoring the distinct character of each section and performing with a keen sense of harmonic resonance and rhythmic vitality, you can truly captivate the audience—making this a rewarding piece to play.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy music while honing their technique.

Fantasy Pieces: Flight, Op. 12 No. 2Robert Schumann

PTNA 2013 Competition National Finals / Grade E Bronze Prize Yuraha Michikawa Schumann: From Fantasiestücke, “Flying” (Aufschwung) Op. 12-2

Robert Schumann’s masterpiece “Fantasiestücke: Aufschwung, Op.

12 No.

2.” Many of you may know it, as it’s frequently performed at piano recitals.

Its difficulty is considered intermediate, and it is often selected as a required piece for competitions.

A key point in this work is the right hand from measure 17.

If you focus too much on bringing out the top voice clearly, the sound can become stiff, so play with an awareness of the horizontal musical line.

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Ryo

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Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller

15. Ballade / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.15 Ballade - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This is an elegant piece that exudes a mysterious atmosphere from the opening.

Its compelling structure—rich in narrative thanks to the contrast between C minor and C major—captivates the listener as it shifts from a tense first section to a serene middle passage.

The scene woven by the right hand’s repeated notes and the left hand’s flowing patterns evokes the image of a solitary traveler journeying through a forest.

Johann Burgmüller balances expressive richness with technical elements to great effect.

This work is recommended for those interested in pieces with a strong narrative quality or who enjoy dramatic expression.

Published in Paris in 1851, it continues to be cherished by many performers today.

Amazing Gracesanbika

“Amazing Grace” [How to Play Piano—Absolutely Playable for Beginners!] ☆1

Amazing Grace is one of the most beloved songs in the United States and is even called the “second national anthem.” Originally a hymn, its soul-cleansing, beautiful melody has captured many hearts, and today it is also widely used as incidental music in television and film.

With few leaps in the melody and a flowing progression at a relaxed tempo, it’s a piece that even busy adults can easily take on during limited practice time.

Jazz-style arrangements are also very cool, so once you’re comfortable with the basic version, be sure to give them a try!

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yuri

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Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 “Fantaisie-Impromptu”Frederic Chopin

[Grade 4] Fantaisie-Impromptu [Chopin] Kazuo Seto [Fantasie-Impromptu Chopin]

Among the four Impromptus by Frédéric Chopin, a leading composer of the Romantic era, this is the first to have been composed and is also exceptionally well known as a solo piano piece.

Many listeners will recognize the piece the instant the opening octave sounds.

Because the left hand divides each beat into six and the right hand into eight, it may be difficult at first to get the feel for coordinating both hands.

However, with continued practice you will naturally learn to align the beats.

Published in 1855 by a friend, this work brims with a fantastical, improvisatory charm.

Keep practicing patiently!