Classical piano masterpieces: legendary performances from around the world you should hear at least once

Etude Op. 25, No. 11 “Winter Wind”Frederic Chopin

Chopin – 12 Études, Op. 25: No. 11 in A minor “Winter Wind” – Ashkenazy

A piece that every pianist admires and cannot avoid—that is the Étude “Winter Wind.” From the opening theme, which evokes the calm before the storm, a fast and passionately surging melody bursts forth like a howling, raging winter wind.

Polonaise No. 6 “Heroic Polonaise”Frederic Chopin

F. Chopin – Polonaise in A Major, Op.40 No.1 “Military” – Vladimir Horowitz

It is a type of dance song that, along with the mazurka, symbolizes Poland.

Its fiery melody, reminiscent of a military march, is so grand that anyone who hears it even once will feel emboldened.

It’s such a masterpiece that listening to it on your way to work or school might help you say goodbye to those gloomy morning feelings.

Gaspard de la nuit No. 3: ScarboMaurice Ravel

Ravel Scarbo (from Gaspard de la nuit)

This piece, whose title evokes meanings like demon and mischievous fairy, features an eerie melody that races about at high speed, giving the impression of tiny devils freely floating around.

It is a work that exudes a sense of uncanny mystery, and performing it demands extraordinary virtuosity.

Piano Concerto, Episode 3Sergei Rachmaninov

Yunchan Lim 임윤찬 – RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, op. 30

This is a work in which the beauty of Rachmaninoff, founded upon highly advanced technique, truly stands out.

Yefim Bronfman is a pianist born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in the former Soviet Union.

The Rachmaninoff piano concerto he performs is a very famous piece, presented in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic.

Grand Etude No. 6 “Theme and Variations” by PaganiniFranz Liszt

Paganini/Liszt Etude 6

Using the melody that begins the piece as its main theme, this work unfolds while constantly shifting character.

It is so famous that many people may feel they have heard it even if they do not recognize its name.

Originally an extremely difficult piece for violin, it was arranged by Liszt into a set of variations for piano that faithfully reproduces even the technical challenges of the original.

ToccataSergei Prokofiev

Vladimir Horowitz – Prokofiev Toccata D minor

A Russian composer who created a unique musical style that blends modern austerity with traditional classical elements, as well as Russian and European influences.

Although the Toccata is quite distinctive, it is a popular piece that many pianists include in their repertoire.

Five Piano PiecesArnold Schönberg

G. Gould – Five Piano Pieces, Op. 23 (A. Schoenberg)

The person often said to be the first to dismantle the long-standing Western tonal music is the German composer Schoenberg (though some argue it was Hauer).

He created works ranging from atonal music to twelve-tone music, which treats all twelve pitches equally.

This piece is a famous work that served as a bridge from atonality to twelve-tone technique.

From a woodblock print: Rainy GardenClaude Debussy

From Debussy's Estampes: Jardins sous la pluie (Rain in the Garden) / Debussy Jardins sous la Pluie (Estampes)

This piece, with its powerful yet emotional melody, as its name suggests, evokes a rain-soaked garden; toward the end, it clears up as if all the preceding rain had been a lie.

It even leaves that kind of impression.

This highly fantastical work is included in Debussy’s collection called “Estampes,” and the other pieces in the set are also wonderfully dreamy, so I strongly recommend listening to them together.

Dance at the village tavernFranz Liszt

2013 Oji Hall Prize / Ryota Yamazaki Liszt: Dance at the Village Inn

Starting with a lively rhythm that conjures vivid images of ringing voices, the graceful dances of the ballerinas, and villagers chatting with drinks in hand, this piece could well be called one of Liszt’s hidden gems.

It was actually featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may have heard it before—but I highly recommend listening to it in full.

Étude Op. 10 No. 4Frederic Chopin

Chopin – 12 Etudes, Op. 10: No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Ashkenazy

Although this piece bears no specific title among the études, its fame is overwhelming, and it is a celebrated work often used as an assignment in music conservatories.

It was also featured in the drama “Nodame Cantabile,” which likely broadened its recognition even further.

More recently, it has even been included in the rhythm game “Taiko no Tatsujin.” Among the études, it is considered especially difficult to perform, and its fast, passionate melody is nothing short of breathtaking.