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 a relatively low difficulty level. Recommended Chopin works (1–10)
Prelude in A major, Op. 28 No. 7Frederic Chopin
More people might recognize it as “that Ohta Isan tune!” than as “Prelude in A major, Op.
28 No.
7.” It’s about a minute long and proceeds at a relaxed tempo throughout, making it approachable even for beginner pianists.
A prelude was originally something played improvisationally on keyboard instruments like the piano.
When performing Chopin’s Preludes, don’t just string together the notes on the score—try playing freely while imagining the music you want to express.
Contredanse in G-flat majorFrederic Chopin
Composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1827, this lively and brilliant miniature adopts the style of the contredanse, which was popular in Parisian high society, evoking the atmosphere of a cheerful ball.
Played at an Allegretto tempo, it’s a piece that showcases Chopin’s youthful talent.
The delicate sensibility and craftsmanship of the “poet of the piano” are beautifully expressed in the light, flowing textures.
Influences of Polish folk music can also be felt, giving the work a romantic yet somehow rustic charm.
It’s an approachable piece that is highly recommended for those interested in Chopin’s music.
Etude Op. 25, No. 1 “Aeolian Harp”Frederic Chopin
When you listen to performances, it can sound difficult, but among them I’d like to introduce a piece that seems gentle.
It is Frédéric Chopin’s famous étude, Étude Op.
25 No.
1, “Aeolian Harp.” Also known as “The Shepherd Boy” or “The Shepherd’s Flute,” this work is regarded as a kind of gateway for intermediate players among Chopin’s compositions.
Its hallmark is the sonority of broken chords woven throughout the piece, demanding not only technique but also a high level of expressiveness.
The wide arpeggiated passages are prone to fluctuations in tempo and touch, so keep that in mind as you polish your performance.
[Beginner–Intermediate] Chopin pieces with a relatively low difficulty level. Recommended Chopin works (11–20)
Nocturne No. 18 in E major, Op. 62 No. 2Frederic Chopin
One of the two nocturnes published during the lifetime of Frédéric Chopin, the Polish composer who epitomizes early Romantic music, is the Nocturne No.
18 in E major, Op.
62 No.
2.
Its beautifully flowing, graceful main theme stands in striking contrast to the passionate middle section, making for a work of great beauty and drama.
The slower the tempo, the less one can hide imperfections, so a focus on tone quality and expressive nuance becomes crucial.
While the technical difficulty is not especially high, the essence of the piece lies in how you shape each individual sound and craft its expression as you play.
Etude Op.10 No.3 “Farewell”Frederic Chopin
This is one of the pieces from the Études, Op.
10, composed in 1832.
It features a rich contrast: from a gently flowing and beautiful opening, through a lively middle section, and finally back to tranquility at the end.
In Japan, it came to be known as “Farewell Song” after this piece was used in a German film released in 1934 under the Japanese title ‘Farewell Song.’ As befits an étude, the fast passages in the middle section demand advanced technique.
Start by playing it at a slow tempo so you can savor the beauty of the music.
Three New Etudes No. 3 in D-flat majorFrederic Chopin
When it comes to the etudes by Frederic Chopin, the celebrated Polish pianist and composer, the famous Op.
10 and Op.
25 are renowned for their high artistry and advanced technical demands.
The Three New Etudes, however, were composed and published after those two sets.
They are not often featured in concert programs, but they are very well known as studies tackled by piano students.
No.
3, with its light, bright, waltz-like character, is enjoyable not only as finger training but also as a fully satisfying musical piece in its own right.
Prelude No. 4, Op. 28-4Frederic Chopin
In homage to Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op.
28 are said to be composed in all different keys.
The fourth prelude is characterized by a structure in which a simple melody is supported by chromatic movement in the left hand.
Known for its poignant line that quietly conveys profound sorrow, this piece is said to have been performed at Chopin’s funeral.
To avoid letting its calm character lead to a monotonous performance, play with attention to subtle dynamics and shifts in harmony.