Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
The piano is a captivating instrument that transforms into a variety of expressions depending on the performer and the manner of interpretation.
Its delicate yet dynamic grace and its ineffable depth—paired with a vast palette of tones and rich resonance—are said to rival an entire orchestra with a single instrument.
This time, from among works that allow you to fully savor the piano’s timbre, we have selected pieces with a focus on “beauty.”
Whether you love to play the piano or to listen to it, we hope you will immerse yourself in its allure, savoring each delicate note one by one.
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Masterpieces of classical piano that are almost too beautiful. A gathering of delicate, soul-cleansing tones (71–80)
Consolation No. 4Franz Liszt
Consolation No.
4 is imbued with a beauty that feels as if it purifies everything in the world.
It’s a chorale-like piece built on successive chords, with a somber minor-key section in the middle, yet it comes to a gentle close.
People often assume that faster, more note-dense pieces are harder, but playing chords beautifully is just as challenging.
In addition to aligning the vertical lines between left and right hands, it’s crucial to consider which notes within the chord carry the weight and should sing.
Listen closely to the sound of your piano and weave a beautiful melody through the chords.
Cradle Song, S.174, R.57Franz Liszt
When people think of Franz Liszt, many imagine passionate, romantic music and pieces of superhuman virtuosity.
However, his Lullaby, S.174 R.57, while retaining Liszt’s characteristic sweetness, is entirely devoid of intensity and unfolds gently from start to finish—a beautiful work that seems to guide you into a comfortable sleep.
The note count is modest and the score is easy to read, but to maintain the calm flow and play smoothly, precise control of the fingertips is essential.
With proper hand form, cherish each and every note as you play.
Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Frederic Chopin
There’s a gem of a piano piece by Frédéric Chopin that will make you forget the summer heat.
Composed between 1830 and 1832, it’s included in the renowned collection Nocturnes, Op.
9, and is praised for its exquisitely sweet and wistful melody.
The singing right-hand line sparkles like stars in the night sky, gently supported by the left-hand accompaniment.
Listening to it feels purifying to the soul.
It has been memorably used in the film 127 Hours (2010) and the anime Girls’ Last Tour (2017), so many of you may already know it.
This work is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to feel a cool, tranquil mood through the beautiful tones of the piano on a quiet night.
Nocturne No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 36Gabriel Fauré
If you like piano pieces that are both weighty and beautiful, I recommend Nocturne No.
4 in E-flat major, Op.
36.
It is one of Fauré’s representative works and was dedicated to Count Mercy-Argenteau, a diplomat of the Habsburg Empire.
The piece’s greatest charm is, above all, its opening: the descending fourths are highly striking and evoke the sound of bells.
Although it’s considered an intermediate-level work, it’s excellent for developing expressive skills, so beginners should feel free to give it a try as well.
Gaspard de la nuit, No. 1: OndineMaurice Ravel
If you’re well-versed in French literature, seeing the title “Gaspard de la nuit” might call to mind the poetry collection by Louis Bertrand, born in 19th-century France.
What we’re discussing here, however, is Maurice Ravel’s suite for solo piano, a work of the same name inspired by three poems from Bertrand’s collection.
The suite consists of three pieces, and today we’re introducing the first: “Ondine.” “Ondine” is the name of the water spirit among the four classical elements; in Japanese, the name “Undine” may be more familiar.
When it comes to Ravel’s water-themed piano works, “Jeux d’eau” often comes to mind, but “Ondine” is a piece you should absolutely know as well.
It depicts the story of Ondine, who falls in love with a human, and—with Ravel’s characteristically sophisticated technique—delicately yet dramatically conveys both the emotions of the heartbroken spirit and the image of driving rain.
Five Pieces (Tree Suite), Op. 75: No. 5 “The Spruce”Jean Sibelius
A work by Jean Sibelius, Finland’s celebrated national composer.
It is distinguished by a beauty that evokes the richness of Nordic nature.
The delicate piano touch vividly portrays the stately form of the spruce and the tranquil atmosphere of the forest.
Composed in 1914, this gem of a miniature was born in the year the First World War broke out.
One of its attractions is the demand for an improvisatory approach and the encouragement of free interpretation.
Please savor the feeling of strolling through Finland’s deep forests.
Nocturne No. 15 in F minor, Op. 55 No. 1Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin left behind 21 beautiful nocturnes.
While the romantic No.
2 and No.
20, which gained attention in the film The Pianist, are well known, the melancholic No.
15 in F minor, Op.
55-1 is also exceptionally beautiful and one of the works well suited to the artsy mood of autumn.
Though the piece conveys unbearable sorrow and suffering, the bright arpeggios at the end bring a sudden sense of relief, as if a weight has been lifted from the heart.
By all means, listen as you savor the way the music slowly transforms within its quiet flow.