[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces

TarantellaWilliam Gillock

Gillock / Tarantella W. Gillock / Tarantella

William Gillock, an American composer who left behind numerous piano collections for children.

One of them, included in his Album for the Young, is Tarantella, inspired by the fast-paced dance from southern Italy.

It’s packed with elements you’ll want to master while learning piano—such as agile fingerwork and a buoyant sense of rhythm—so it’s great not only as a recital piece but also for everyday practice.

To gain control at fast tempos, try varying the rhythms or practicing everything staccato, and work through it with those kinds of strategies.

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scramble crossinghashimoto kouichi

scramble crossing

This piece dynamically captures the hustle and bustle of the city, with a rhythmical, energetic melody that leaves a strong impression.

Built with 6/8 time and irregular meters, it skillfully depicts the ebb and flow of people at a busy intersection through music.

Featured on the album “I Still Love the Piano! ,” it was composed with Shibuya’s scramble crossing in mind, achieving an exquisite balance between melody and accompaniment.

Despite its brisk tempo, it allows for richly expressive performance, making it perfect for recitals.

Blending elements of classical and pop, its contemporary flair makes it stand out on stage.

It’s also recommended as a recital repertoire choice for boys looking for a cool piece.

Indian danceWilliam Gillock

Gillock: First Piano for Children, Indian Dance, pf. Sho Taguchi: TAGUCHI, Sho

This piece, inspired by Native American culture and rhythms, captivates with its simple yet powerful pulse and distinctive melody.

The drum-like accompaniment in the left hand is striking, while the right-hand melody unfolds in response.

Combining a steady beat with triplets, the work brims with the vigor and dynamism that many boys admire.

Included in the album “Two Indian Dances,” it also stands out for encouraging expressive playing as performers imagine the culture and stories behind the music.

Written in G major, its bright and lively character is sure to shine in recitals and competitions.

Fantaisie-ImpromptuFrederic Chopin

Fantasie-Impromptu – Chopin [Fantasie Impromptu - Chopin] Piano / CANACANA

This is a renowned piece left by Frédéric Chopin, one of the leading composers of the Romantic era from Poland.

A gifted composer who wrote his first piece at the age of seven, Chopin went on to create numerous works.

Although this piece was composed in 1834, it was published posthumously in 1855 according to Chopin’s will.

Its hallmark is a polyrhythm of sixteenth notes in the right hand against triplets in the left, interweaving technical challenges with a beautiful melody.

It’s also popular among boys learning the piano, and it is sure to captivate audiences when performed at recitals.

Combining cool brilliance with delicacy, this work is beloved by a wide range of pianists, from beginners to advanced players.

magicianWilliam Gillock

Gillock: The Juggler — Pianist Yuki Kondo / from Album for Children (Piano), Gillock

William Gillock’s “The Magician” is a charming piece that, while light and playful in mood, demands both expressiveness and technique from the performer.

In particular, the harmony created by the rhythmic left-hand accompaniment and the right-hand melody makes it ideal for children to discover both the fun and the depth of piano playing.

By preparing this piece for a recital, they can naturally develop a sense of rhythm and musical expression.

It’s a perfect choice for children who want to stand out on stage—and, above all, enjoy playing the piano.

Eight Concert Etudes: ToccatinaNikolai Girshevich Kapustin

Toccatina – Kapustin Eight Concert Etudes Op.40 No.3

This is a work by Nikolai Girshevich Kapustin, a Russian composer from Ukraine.

Born in 1937, Kapustin is known for his unique style that fuses classical music and jazz.

This piece is characterized by technically demanding repeated-note passages and a clearly articulated 8-beat rhythm.

It consists of two themes—one based on the blues scale and another with a highly lyrical, song-like quality—achieving a remarkable balance between jazz-like improvisational flair and classical structural rigor.

While extremely challenging for children to attempt at a piano recital, its rhythmic vitality and exuberance showcase the piano’s full appeal, earning it the admiration of many pianists and audiences alike.

Brave SoldierCornelius Gurlitt

Brave Soldier / Gurlitt — Wilder Soldat / C. Gurlitt [Recommended for Piano Recitals]

With a march-like, powerful rhythm that tickles a boy’s heart, this piece fills you with energy as you listen.

Featured on the album “Album for Children,” it captivates with its clear melody and the left hand’s steady, pulsing accompaniment.

Its resonant sound shines on stage, while offering ample joy in performance.

The right hand’s melody unfolds dramatically, firmly supported by the left hand’s rhythm—an ideal structure for practice.

Combining cool flair with sheer fun, this work is a perfect fit for boys learning the piano.