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 masterpieces you should play at least once (31–40)
Gavotte from French Suite No. 4, BWV 814J.S.Bach
Here is a Baroque masterpiece that lets you savor the light, buoyant rhythms of the French dance style.
Composed between 1722 and 1725, it is known as the fourth movement of a suite and is structured as a clear, dynamic dance in 2/4 time.
It features the repeated use of a concise motif built from consecutive two-note figures, showcasing a superb fusion of Bach’s distinctive contrapuntal beauty with the elegance of a courtly dance.
Although originally written for harpsichord, it is commonly performed on the piano today, demanding a crisp sense of rhythm and a delicate touch.
Recommended for those who want to explore Baroque music or experience the charm of dance forms.
French Suite No. 6, BWV 817: SarabandeJ.S.Bach
This is a gem of a movement that infuses the strict form of a French dance with Bach’s characteristic spiritual depth.
Composed around 1722–1725, the piece is built on a stately triple-meter dance of Spanish origin, and its serene, introspective world is shaped by delicate ornamentation and flowing harmonic progressions.
Because it proceeds at a relaxed tempo, it is accessible even to those approaching Baroque music for the first time, allowing players to develop fundamentals while refining tone and expressive nuance.
Rather than dazzling technique, richly emotional expression is prized, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to practice with patience and care.
Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79, Movement IIILudwig van Beethoven
A gem of a masterpiece, performed at an andante tempo with an elegant 9/8 rhythm.
Its gentle melody, like a swaying boat, evokes a soothing sense of being rocked by calm waves.
Though composed in 1809, its appeal has not faded, continuing to captivate many pianists.
This movement is brief at just 34 measures, yet it condenses delicate emotional expression, leaving a strong impression with its romantic and lyrical atmosphere.
Structured in ABA form, the piece fully draws out the piano’s expressive power, and its graceful melody resonates deeply.
Highly recommended for lovers of the piano, it is ideal for those who wish to spend quiet moments in contemplation with music.
French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: Menuet IJ.S.Bach
Beloved as an elegant dance in triple meter, this piece is part of a C minor suite composed around 1722–1725.
Its simple yet refined melody, set in binary form, is captivating, and its inclusion in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach suggests it was intended for domestic performance.
While adopting a French-style dance form, it also conveys the distinctive beauty of Baroque-era polyphony.
With its relaxed tempo and absence of difficult passages or virtuosic demands, it is recommended for those wishing to try Baroque music or savor the depth of classical traditions.
By paying attention to tone color, expression, and dynamics, performers can enjoy its graceful world all the more.
Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62 No. 5, No. 3: “Venetian Boat Song”Felix Mendelssohn
This is a piece from Felix Mendelssohn’s celebrated collection of piano miniatures, the masterpiece “Lieder ohne Worte” Op.
62.
The 6/8 accompaniment in the left hand deftly depicts a gondola gliding along the canals of Venice, while the right hand sings a melody like a plaintive song echoing over the water.
Its appeal lies in the way it conveys a poised dignity and elegance within sorrow, rather than being merely dark.
Published in 1844, this set is dedicated to Clara Schumann.
It is recommended for those times when you don’t want to force yourself to feel cheerful, but instead wish to surrender to this beautiful melody and savor the sensation of quietly sinking into the depths of your heart.