RAG MusicPiano
A web magazine to help you enjoy the piano even more

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.

Masterpieces of Classical Piano That Are Too Beautiful: A Gathering of Delicate, Soul-Cleansing Tones (31–40)

Piano Sonata “On the Street, October 1, 1905”Leoš Janaček

L. Janáček / Piano Sonata “On the Street, October 1, 1905” – I. Movement
Piano Sonata “On the Street, October 1, 1905”Leoš Janaček

Janáček is a very unusual composer from the Czech lands.

The atmosphere of this piece—less melancholic than bordering on a kind of nihilism—seems to reflect his anger over the incident at the time when protesters clashed with the army.

Argentine Dance No. 2A.E.Ginastera

Martha Argerich plays Ginastera danzas argentinas pt. 2
Argentine Dance No. 2A.E.Ginastera

Ginastera, a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is known for writing accessible music.

His Argentine Dances No.

2 has a very melancholic atmosphere, and its score is characterized by being simple and easy to read.

Etude Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin

Yunchan Lim – Chopin: 12 Études, Op. 25 – No. 1 in A-Flat Major “Aeolian Harp”
Etude Op. 25 No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin

It became affectionately known by this nickname after Chopin played the piece at Schumann’s home, where Schumann remarked that it made him think of an “Aeolian harp.” An Aeolian harp is a stringed instrument with multiple strings stretched over a box-like wooden frame.

It produces sound when played by the natural wind; depending on the wind’s strength, direction, and force, different strings vibrate, creating a variety of timbres.

The subtle changes in the nuance of the arpeggiated figures played by both hands evoke precisely this Aeolian harp, don’t they?

Three Romances, Op. 11 No. 1Clara Schumann

Clara Schumann: Three Romances, Op. 11 No. 1 [36_Dark and Sad Classical Piano Piece with Sheet Music and Commentary]
Three Romances, Op. 11 No. 1Clara Schumann

A piano piece that conceals profound lyricism within restrained expression.

Opening a set of three romantic miniatures, this work was written in 1839, when the composer was nineteen, imbued with feelings for her fiancé, Robert Schumann.

The theme, sung over extended arpeggios, seems to delicately reflect a love and longing kept within.

The piece also appears in the film “Geliebte Clara,” serving as a crucial key to portraying Clara Schumann’s inner world.

It is an ideal piece for a quiet, contemplative night, when you want to listen to the singing tone of the piano and take time to face your own heart.

Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19: No. 1 “Sweet Remembrance”Felix Mendelssohn

Sweet Remembrance, with its smoothly flowing sixteenth-note accompaniment and graceful, lyrical melody, is one of the pieces from Mendelssohn’s famous piano collection Songs Without Words.

It may be less well-known than something like the celebrated Spring Song, but it highlights his outstanding gift for melody.

To bring out the piece’s delicate theme, keep the sixteenth-note accompaniment light, and play the melody with a lifted finger position, paying close attention to tone color.

Using generous pedal to create a rich resonance will further enhance the beauty of your performance.

Masterpieces of Classical Piano That Are Too Beautiful: A Gathering of Delicate, Cleansing Tones (41–50)

12 Songs, Op. 21 No. 7: ‘It Is Beautiful Here’Sergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff: Zdes’ khorosho, Op. 21, No. 7 (transcribed for piano)
12 Songs, Op. 21 No. 7: 'It Is Beautiful Here'Sergei Rachmaninov

The original piece is a song by the great Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, dedicated to his wife, Natasha.

It is a very beautiful work that blends a romantic atmosphere with a touch of melancholy.

Though simple, its melody is moving enough to bring you to tears, making it perfect as an encore piece.

There are also brilliant arrangements of this piece by artists such as E.

Wild.

Please give it a try.

Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960Franz Schubert

Schubert Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat Major, D. 960 — Horowitz
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960Franz Schubert

A solo piano work composed by Franz Schubert in his final year.

It is his last piano sonata, written in 1828, two months before his death.

A large-scale piece in four movements, it encapsulates Schubert’s musical essence.

The expansive openness of the first movement, the meditative beauty of the second, the light, dance-like character of the third, and the power of the fourth are especially striking.

From its quiet opening and melodies tinged with deep melancholy, there is an intangible sense of the premonition of death.

This work conveys Schubert’s inner world and emotional depth.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor the piano’s delicate timbres and expressive range.