“Classical piano sounds interesting, but where should I start listening?” Even within classical piano, the music differs greatly by era, style, and composer—and everyone’s tastes vary.
This feature is an introductory guide just for you.
It broadly covers famous and popular pieces from across times and places, so you’re sure to discover a piece you love.
Once you find a favorite, it’s fun to compare works by the same composer or pieces written in the same period.
Classical piano masterpieces: The world’s must-hear legendary performances (1–10)
Four Impromptus, Op. 90Franz Schubert
Alfred Brendel – Schubert – Four Impromptus, D 899
After Beethoven systematized compositional forms, the Romantic era arrived.
Some consider Schubert, an early Romantic composer, to mark the dawn of the Romantic movement.
More than formal structure, pieces that valued personal emotion—such as the impromptu—can be cited as examples.
Mozart — Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major (with “Turkish March”), Movement III
Mozart, who reportedly improvised on the piano at age four and displayed extraordinary talent for composition and performance at age five, may be considered one of the earliest in the lineage of genius pianists.
The “Turkish March” is the third movement of his Piano Sonata No.
Famous for being used by figure skater Mao Asada, this piece evokes a somewhat fantastical and fleeting kind of love.
While Liszt is often associated with rapid, highly challenging passages, this work, even within its relaxed atmosphere, is imbued with that quintessential Liszt character.
12 “Revolutionary” launches with a fierce opening, and the rushing storm of sound that follows is truly worthy of the title “Revolutionary.” The slight-of-stature Frédéric Chopin—Chopin—turned his small hands into an advantage, excelling at intricate, fast pieces.
Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight”Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight”
A sonata in three movements, whose first movement is especially famous under the name “Moonlight.” Many figure skaters have incorporated this piece into their programs, so it may sound familiar to many listeners.
In contrast to the first movement, which evokes sweet, elegant moonlight, the third movement unleashes a fast, passionate melody from the piano.
Chopin — 12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 3 in E major “Tristesse” (Etude in E major) — Ashkenazy
Among all études (practice pieces), this is one of the most famous and widely loved.
It is frequently featured in commercials and the media, and when talking about Chopin’s masterpieces, its name inevitably comes up.
The sweet melody of the first half is especially well-known, but the middle section presents a contrasting, passionate theme that gives the impression of becoming emotionally charged, as if in the face of parting.
