[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces
Speaking of piano lessons, there used to be an image that they were for girls, but these days—perhaps due to the influence of video sites, social media, and the street piano trend—more and more boys want to learn piano as well.
As a result, many parents are enrolling their sons with the hope that “I want my son to be able to play too!” And one milestone they’ll almost certainly encounter is the piano recital.
In this article, we introduce stylish, stage-ready pieces that are perfect for boys as candidate pieces for the recital that every child taking piano lessons is bound to experience.
Why not pick out some possibilities early so your child can answer when the teacher asks, “Is there anything you’d like to play?”
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
- [For 6-year-olds] A curated selection of standout pieces for piano recitals!
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [Popular Piano] Capture the Audience’s Attention! Recommended Pop Songs That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students
- [For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
- [For 5-year-olds] A curated selection of recommended pieces for a piano recital!
[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive Popular Pieces (41–50)
Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Among Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano works, this piece is especially famous.
Even those who aren’t well-versed in classical music might say, “I know this melody!” Composed in June 1788 with piano learners in mind, it captivates with its bright and light character.
However, despite its familiarity, playing it beautifully is by no means easy.
It’s filled with essential techniques, such as maintaining balance with the left-hand accompaniment while keeping the right-hand melody even and well-articulated.
Performing such a renowned piece at a recital is sure to boost your confidence—and the sense of accomplishment when you master it is exceptional.
[Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! Carefully Selected Cool and Impressive Popular Pieces (51–60)
Invention No. 8, BWV 779J.S.Bach
This piece in F major, set in 3/4 time, begins with ascending broken chords brimming with the lively energy of a fanfare and exudes a bright, spirited atmosphere.
The distinctive rhythm created by the interplay of upper and lower voices, chasing each other with a one-measure delay, is pleasing and makes the listener’s heart dance.
Although composed for educational purposes, the work’s musical appeal captivates audiences.
The left-hand passages using the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers are somewhat challenging, but with practice, it’s a wonderful piece that allows you to feel tangible improvement in two-hand technique.
With its bright, festive character and a well-balanced technical challenge, it’s an ideal choice for a recital.
Final Fantasy VII Piano Collections: Those Who FightUematsu Nobuo
This piece was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, renowned as a master of video game music.
Since joining Square in 1986, he has created many iconic tracks, particularly for the Final Fantasy series.
This work is a piano arrangement of a song that plays during in-game battle scenes.
From the very beginning it makes a strong impact, featuring a powerful melody and rhythm that make your heart race just by listening.
It beautifully captures both the delicacy and dynamism of the piano, making it a recommendation not only for game fans but also for piano enthusiasts.
Its difficulty is high as well, so performing it at a recital is sure to electrify the audience!
clownDimitri Kabalevsky
Speaking of Dmitry Kabalevsky’s “Clowns,” in Japan many people recall “Clowns’ Galop,” which is often used as background music at sports days.
However, the piece discussed here is “Clowns” from the collection “24 Easy Pieces for Children,” composed in 1944 and published the following year.
Written in 2/4 time, it features a melody that shifts chromatically through accidentals and a lively left-hand accompaniment that makes extensive use of staccato.
Though short, it leaves a strong impression.
Don’t just follow the notes—enjoy the ever-changing development of the music as you play.
Album for the Young, Op. 39 No. 20: “Baba Yaga (The Witch)”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
An unsettling air suggesting that something bad is about to happen pervades “Baba Yaga (The Witch),” No.
20 from Album for the Young, Op.
39.
It is one of the piano miniatures Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky dedicated to his nephew.
Baba Yaga is the name of a fearsome witch from old Russian folktales who eats human flesh—perfectly matching the mood of the piece.
With its brisk pace and powerful character, it’s also popular among boys who study piano.
Dress in a cool outfit and play with crisp articulation!
Fantasia “Sakura Sakura”Hirai Kōsaburō
A solo piano piece by Japanese composer Kozaburo Hirai, based on a melody familiar to everyone in Japan.
From the eight-bar, dreamlike introduction, it unfolds into an accessible main theme—sure to make a striking impression on any recital stage.
The charm of this work lies in how it paints a variety of scenes like a single story, from the splendor of cherry blossoms in full bloom to the fleeting beauty of petals dancing in the air.
The rhythmic section from measure 35, which imitates drums, adds energy and exhilaration to the piece.
It’s perfect for elementary and middle school students who want to express a slightly mature, traditional Japanese atmosphere.
It also serves wonderfully as an etude for developing rich expressive power, so try performing it dramatically while visualizing the scenes.
Children’s Corner No. 1: Doctor Gradus ad ParnassumClaude Debussy
Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum, the first piece in Claude Debussy’s suite Children’s Corner, was composed with the aim of letting adults bask in a childlike mood.
It is said to depict his beloved daughter Emma as she tackles a piano exercise.
The earnest way she practices has much in common with children taking on the challenge of performing on stage at a recital.
Parents will surely feel a great sense of growth when they see their child play this piece so confidently.
You might even suggest to your child, “There’s a really cool piece—want to give it a try?”