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 Too Beautiful: A Gathering of Delicate, Cleansing Tones (81–90)
Etude No. 13 in A-flat major, Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin
This piece, which evokes the breath of spring, is characterized by a succession of flowing arpeggios.
The unceasing stream of notes in the right hand resembles the sound of a harp swaying in the wind.
Interwoven within it is a delicate melody spun by the left hand, calling to mind a pastoral landscape.
Composed between 1836 and 1837, this work, while a technical étude, pursues profound musical expression.
The performance time is about two minutes and thirty seconds, yet within that brief span, artistry and virtuosity are condensed.
It is recommended not only for piano students but also for anyone seeking solace in beautiful music.
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.
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. MorningEdvard Grieg
Just hearing the opening melody will make most people think, “Ah, morning has come.” This piece, often used as background music for morning-related scenes on TV and elsewhere, is one movement from the suite Peer Gynt by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.
It was created when Grieg was commissioned to write incidental music for staging Henrik Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt.
Its fresh, beautiful melody is perfect for morning and seems likely to help you wake up in a good mood even on hot summer mornings.
As an aside, in the context of the incidental music, “Morning” actually plays when the protagonist finds himself in a truly abysmal situation.
Knowing the play’s story and the composer’s intent might change the familiar image you have of this “Morning.”
Consolation No. 5Franz Liszt
Unlike virtuosic études that demand advanced technique, the piano collection Consolation consists of pieces at a relatively easy level.
The fifth piece is a very beautiful work in which a bright, gentle melody—evoking a sense of hope—is layered over a calm left-hand accompaniment.
It’s easy to read and not particularly difficult technically, but the top melodic line tends to be drowned out by the other notes that create the accompaniment and harmony.
Be sure to identify clearly where the melody lies, and try to bring it out resonantly as you play.
Song cycle “Three Songs,” Op. 7: No. 1, “Après un rêve”Gabriel Fauré
The first piece, Après un rêve, from Gabriel Fauré’s song set Three Songs, has been arranged for a variety of instruments such as piano, cello, violin, and flute.
It depicts a man who, after spending a dreamlike time with a beautiful woman in his sleep, awakens and laments, “Give me back that beautiful woman.” The heartrending melody, as if echoing the man’s lament, pairs exquisitely with the piano’s timbre.
Ideally, you should highlight the melody while not relying solely on its beauty—use the accompaniment to fully convey the ebb and flow of emotion as well.
Little Boat on the Ocean from the Suite ‘Mirrors’Maurice Ravel
How about a cool piece by Maurice Ravel that you’ll want to listen to on a hot day? It’s the third piece from the piano suite Miroirs, published in Paris in 1906 and dedicated to the painter Paul Sordes.
You can picture a small boat gently drifting across a vast sea, and just listening to it feels cleansing for the soul.
The work’s charm lies in its depiction of water through shimmering arpeggios.
They evoke the glinting, rippling surface under light and the deep ocean’s calm, with an expressive range that hardly seems possible from a single piano.
The meter changes 36 times over 140 measures, deftly capturing the ceaseless motion of the waves.
If you’d like to cool off with beautiful sonorities, or if you’re a fan of Impressionist music, you’ll surely enjoy it.
It might also be nice to listen to it alongside the other pieces in the Miroirs suite.
Masterpieces of Classical Piano That Are Too Beautiful: A Gathering of Delicate, Soul-Cleansing Tones (91–100)
Songs Without Words, Book 4, Op. 53 No. 1 “By the Seashore”Felix Mendelssohn
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.