Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
Frédéric Chopin, the great Polish composer known as the Poet of the Piano.
Even if you don’t often listen to classical music, you’ve probably heard Chopin’s name and his music at least once.
Chopin, a leading figure of the early Romantic era, created works that are romantic yet somehow simple and familiar.
This time, we’ve selected relatively easy piano pieces by Chopin that we recommend for beginners to intermediate players.
Among the works introduced, some have high difficulty in their original form but are widely available in arrangements that can be played at an elementary to intermediate level.
If you’re interested in Chopin’s music, be sure to check them out!
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[Beginner–Intermediate] Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended Chopin works (41–50)
Nocturne No. 6 in G minor, Op. 15 No. 3Frederic Chopin
The third piece of Chopin’s second set of Nocturnes, Nocturne No.
6 in G minor, Op.
15 No.
3, features an unusual structure, modulating from G minor to C-sharp major, and then to G major.
Although it’s quite minor within Chopin’s oeuvre and thus not often heard, its difficulty level is relatively approachable, making it perfect for those tackling a Nocturne for the first time.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to perform a Chopin piece at a recital that others are unlikely to choose.
Piano Sonata No. 2, Third MovementFrederic Chopin
No.
2 is one of the three sonatas Chopin left behind.
Among its movements, the third—also known as the “Funeral March”—is particularly famous.
In Japan, it became widely known after being used as the game-over music in a popular arcade game in the 1980s.
With its eerie, haunting melody layered over a growling left-hand accompaniment, the piece is both unsettling and unforgettable.
When you play it, try to convey the weight of your whole arm into the keys and aim for a deep, resonant sound.
Polonaise No. 11 in G minor (Posthumous)Frederic Chopin
Composed by the Polish-born Romantic master Frédéric Chopin at the age of seven, this piece is truly remarkable.
Its approachable melody and structure—despite its brevity—convey a rich sense of pianistic expression.
There are few technically difficult passages, and with a careful touch that evens out each note, it can become a captivating performance.
You can’t help but think, “Chopin, who wrote something like this when he was so much younger than I am now, really was a genius!” It’s also a highly recommended piece for those who have just begun learning the piano.
Waltz No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. posth. “Sostenuto”Frederic Chopin
Discovered in a British private collection and published in 1952—more than a hundred years after Frédéric Chopin’s death—Waltz No.
18 in E-flat major, Op.
posth.
Also known by the title “Sostenuto,” this piece is approachable because it contains no major changes or passages requiring advanced technique; at the same time, its very simplicity makes it a work that tests one’s expressiveness.
Incidentally, among Chopin’s waltzes, the highly popular “Grande valse brillante” is Op.
18.
In terms of numbering, it is not No.
18 but “No.
1,” so please be careful not to confuse them!
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
The works of Frédéric Chopin, the great composer from Poland, are filled with a charm that is both romantic and simple, making them highly approachable.
This piece is said to musically depict the scene of his lover George Sand’s dog spinning in circles as it chases its own tail.
Its lively and endearing melody evokes the movements of a puppy and lightens the listener’s heart.
Brilliant yet delicate, the piece is immensely popular at recitals and concerts.
Try playing it lightly, imagining the puppy’s motion as you go.
In conclusion
Frédéric Chopin, known as the Poet of the Piano, was a Polish composer who represents the early Romantic era, and he was famous across Europe both as a pianist and as a composer.
Often called the Poet of the Piano, he left a large body of works and is an indispensable classical composer for pianists.
When people think of Chopin, they think of beautiful piano pieces, but on the other hand, many also have the impression that his works are difficult to play, which may make some hesitant to try.
This time, we introduced pieces by Chopin that are relatively less challenging.
That said, even the easier ones demand delicate touch and a minimum level of technique, so careful practice is essential.
Still, he is one of those composers whose pieces look impressive when you can play them, so don’t be discouraged—start with the gentler works, gradually expand your repertoire, and build your confidence.