A must-see for piano beginners! Carefully selected classic pieces you should play at least once
Do you assume that as a piano beginner there’s absolutely no way you can play famous pieces?
In fact, among classical works, there are many masterpieces that are approachable even for those who’ve only just started practicing the piano.
In this article, we’ve picked out classical pieces recommended for piano beginners!
We’ll introduce a wide range of piano works, as well as piano arrangements of orchestral pieces, from the Baroque era to the modern and contemporary periods.
You can choose to play just a section, or slow down the tempo and play at your own pace—enjoy performing great music in the way that suits you best!
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A must-see for piano beginners! Carefully selected classic pieces you should play at least once (51–60)
“Butterflies” Op. 2 No. 1 “Masquerade”Robert Schumann
The first piece in this collection depicting scenes from a masked ball is a lively, bright waltz.
Composed by Robert Schumann in 1831, inspired by a novel by Jean Paul, it reveals a deep connection with literature.
Written in the key of D major, this miniature brims with the splendor and vitality befitting the opening of a ball.
Though short, it is rich in the expressive nuances characteristic of the Romantic era and is approachable for beginners.
It’s an ideal piece for those just starting the piano or wishing to explore Schumann’s world.
Rather than technical difficulty, you can enjoy practicing it by focusing on musical flow and expression.
“Butterflies,” Op. 2, No. 3: “Waltz”Robert Schumann
From Robert Schumann’s early collection Papillons, Op.
2, I would like to introduce No.
3, “Waltz,” written in E-flat major.
Completed in 1831, this piece was inspired by the masquerade scene in Jean Paul’s novel Flegeljahre.
It features a light, lively rhythm and brilliant melodies, vividly evoking the atmosphere of a ball.
Schumann’s poetic and delicate expressiveness shines through, and it is a piece approachable even for beginner pianists.
Recommended for those who wish to enjoy the fusion of literature and music, or to experience Schumann’s characteristically warm Romantic style, this work remains an important part of the classical repertoire and continues to be loved by many pianists today.
“Butterfly,” Op. 2, No. 6: “Waltz of the Wurzel”Robert Schumann
Composed of 12 short pieces that flutter gracefully like butterflies, this work is an early masterpiece written by Robert Schumann around the age of 21.
Inspired by the masked-ball scene in the novel “Flegeljahre,” its sixth piece is a passionate dance in D minor.
Characterized by a powerful melody and a vibrant rhythmic drive, it is said to symbolize the feelings of the character Wult.
While the tempo and technical demands are approachable for beginners, the piece fully showcases Schumann’s poetic expressiveness.
It is recommended for those who wish to experience the charm of Romanticism while sensing its deep connection to literature.
Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 2: PierrotRobert Schumann
From the collection Carnaval, here is a short piece in which Robert Schumann portrays the clown Pierrot.
Noted for its introverted, wistful atmosphere, the piece features a steady, almost monotonous rhythm punctuated by sudden, leaping motions.
Though only about two minutes long and set in E-flat major, its effective use of pedal creates resonant sonorities that quietly depict Pierrot’s delicate emotional world.
Schumann composed this suite between 1834 and 1835, reflecting his romantic relationships and inner life in the music.
It’s recommended for those who have just begun learning the piano or who want to start with a short piece.
Since it doesn’t demand difficult techniques, focusing on expressive playing will let you fully savor the charm of Romantic-era music.
Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11 No. 1 “II. Theme and Variations” Op. 118a-2Robert Schumann
Brimming with warmth, this charming theme-and-variations piece is an educational work Schumann composed with affection for his daughters.
It is the second movement extracted from the First of the Three Sonatas for Children, published in 1853, unfolding from a gentle theme into a range of contrasting expressions.
Because the variations broaden the scope of musical expression, it is recommended for those who wish to cultivate a rich sensibility.
It begins at a relaxed tempo and contains few technically challenging passages, making it approachable even for first-time learners eager to try classical piano.
While savoring the Schumann-esque poetic world, you can discover the beauty and depth of variation form in this single work.