[Piano Pieces for Young Children] Perfect for Recitals! A Curated Selection of Brilliant, Showy Favorites

Children’s Concert Op. 210, No. 7 “Hunting Song”Cornelius Gurlitt

Gurlitt, Cornelius: Children’s Music Party, Hunting Piece, Op. 210-7 pf. Yurika Kamoda

Cornelius Gurlitt’s piano collection “Kinderfest Op.

210” is brimming with childlike charm.

Piece No.

7, “Hunting Song,” is a lively, cheerful work that evokes the image of a small child dashing about the meadow.

Because it includes fundamental techniques—such as light staccato, even-note runs, and two-note slurs—giving a confident performance at a recital can become a major source of encouragement for continuing piano study.

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A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten

Piano [Dolly’s Dreaming and Awakening] First Piano Recital ♪ Dolly’s Dreaming and Awakening ♪

It’s a piece that conjures up a charming little story: a doll quietly falls asleep, dreams, then wakes and begins to dance with lively energy.

This work is one of the pieces included in the album Kinderscenen, published in 1862, and in Japan it’s also well known as the melody that signals the bath is ready.

Because the mood changes dramatically from scene to scene, you can perform it as if you were the story’s protagonist.

With a gentle lullaby, a mysterious dream, and a sprightly dance, it’s perfect for discovering the fun of varying touch and expression.

It may be just the right piece for a six-year-old who wants to play the piano while imagining a story.

Dance of the nativesNakata Yoshinao

[Piano Recital Recommendation] The Dance of Aborigines ♫ Yoshinao Nakada / The Dance of Aborigines, Yoshinao Nakada

For a six-year-old looking for a powerful and cool piece, how about a work by the Japanese composer Yoshinao Nakata? It conjures up a wild, energetic scene, as if one were dancing and stamping the earth with vigor.

Clearly differentiating staccatos and accents will be key to expressing the piece’s dynamism.

In fact, there’s a record of it winning first prize at a competition held in 2004.

This piece is perfect for practicing dynamic contrasts and is recommended for children who want to play a slightly more advanced, cool piece at a recital.

Brave Rider from ‘Album for Children’Robert Schumann

[Teacher Performance] Schumann: The Brave Rider, from “Album for the Young,” Schumann “Wilder Reiter” Album für die Jugend Op. 68

This celebrated piece, distinguished by its exhilarating cascade of sounds and powerful rhythm, is included in the album “Album for the Young.” Composed in 1848 as a birthday present for his eldest daughter Marie, it lasts barely a minute yet displays remarkable musical richness and artistic sophistication.

Its energetic, staccato-driven phrases blend perfectly with the tension created by the key of A minor, vividly conjuring the image of a knight galloping on horseback.

Despite its simple structure, the work is highly expressive, making it ideal for those who want to captivate listeners in a short performance or who enjoy a robust, vigorous character.

It has also been selected as a set piece for international piano examinations and is beloved around the world.

Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller

11. Wagtail / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.11 La Bergeronnette - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This piece in 2/4 time is characterized by a light, charming melody reminiscent of a little bird.

A rhythmic motif of “ta-ta-tan,” effectively using staccato and sixteenth notes, vividly evokes birdsong and adorable movements.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work lasts only about 30 seconds, yet captivates with a beautiful melody woven from right-hand scales and left-hand accompaniment.

By focusing on supple wrist motion and precise fingertip control, you can bring out the piece’s elegance even more.

Even beginners will find it enjoyable to tackle thanks to its lively rhythm and friendly, accessible melody.

Children’s Album, Volume 1: “Album of My Boyhood,” No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Etude ♪ Khachaturian / Etude, Khachaturian

This piece, distinguished by its rhythmic, crisp staccato and unique melody, is a light and lively work written in C major with a 4/4 time signature.

The right hand’s staccato and the left hand’s chromatic chord movements maintain an exquisite balance, packing rich expression and vivid imagery into a brief performance of just 1 minute and 30 seconds.

The rhythms of Armenian traditional music and dance are skillfully incorporated, allowing for a performance brimming with lively dynamism.

Composed in 1926, the piece is well-suited for developing rhythmic precision and balance between both hands, and it is known as a popular choice for piano recitals.

It is recommended for pianists who have mastered basic techniques and wish to take on a performance rich in expressive nuance.

Waltz of Hansel and GretelTamaru Nobuaki

Waltz of Hansel and Gretel

This is a charming waltz that feels like the well-known brother and sister from the Grimm fairy tales are holding hands and dancing in the forest.

The piece appears in the text Piano Dream 3, published in May 1998, and its appeal lies in how it invites you to play while imagining a story.

The buoyant triple meter seems to express the excitement of discovering a house made of sweets.

Because it’s easy to grasp the imagery of the piece, it’s perfect for a four-year-old who wants to express their feelings through music.

It would be wonderful to play it with the feeling of becoming the story’s protagonist and enjoy the performance.