Classical piano masterpieces: legendary performances from around the world you should hear at least once
“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.
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Classical piano masterpieces: World-famous performances you should hear at least once (31–40)
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 1 in C majorJ.S.Bach
Bach was a German composer of the 17th century.
Because he came from a musical family, the most famous Bach is called “J.
S.
Bach” or “the Great Bach.” The Great Bach was a major composer who created and developed compositional techniques, and in The Well-Tempered Clavier every piece always consists of a pair: a prelude and a fugue.
Pavane for a Dead PrincessMaurice Ravel
Princess Margarita of Spain, who married the Holy Roman Emperor and died at the young age of 21 in the 17th century.
Ravel was inspired to compose Pavane for a Dead Princess after seeing her portrait at the Louvre.
Although it is often thought to have been written in mourning for the princess, it is actually said to evoke the kind of dance she might have performed as a child.
Ravel himself reportedly called the piece “weak,” yet it has been popular since the time it was composed.
Play of WaterMaurice Ravel
Alongside Debussy, Ravel is a composer who represents French Impressionist music.
Although not all of his works can be described as Impressionist in style, Jeux d’eau is one of the emblematic pieces of Impressionist music, and many pianists still include it in their repertoire today.
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54Robert Schumann
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.
54 is composed by Schumann.
It is a piece that blends intensity with calm.
With Schumann’s characteristic, elegant melodies, it’s a marvelous concerto that could easily captivate your heart.
It has a distinctly different flavor from Tchaikovsky and other famous piano concertos.
Comparing them can be fun, too.
Please give it a listen.
Four Impromptus, D. 935, Op. 142Franz Schubert
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.
54 is composed by Schumann.
It is a piece that blends intensity with calm.
With Schumann’s characteristic, elegant melodies, it’s a marvelous concerto that could easily captivate your heart.
It has a distinctly different flavor from Tchaikovsky and other famous piano concertos.
Comparing them can be fun, too.
Please give it a listen.
Classical piano masterpieces: World-famous performances you should hear at least once (41–50)
Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D. 845Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert’s Piano Sonata No.
16 in A minor, D.845.
Because it’s in a minor key, it gives a dark impression.
But when you listen, it’s full of variety that makes you wonder, “What’s going to happen next?”—a piece that gets you excited.
It doesn’t end with just a somber A minor mood; it’s a sonata packed with substance and listening pleasure.
Piano Sonata No. 18 “Fantasy”Franz Schubert
Schubert’s Piano Sonata No.
18, “Fantasy.” It feels like having a gentle dream.
It’s a lovely piece that tenderly stays by your side.
The piano’s timbre is so soothing that listening at night might bring you sweet dreams.
I also recommend it when you’re feeling stressed.
It will carry you into a comfortable sleep.