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: legendary performances from around the world you should hear at least once
8 Concert Etudes, Op. 40 No. 5: ScherzoNikolay Kapustin
Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40 No. 8: FinaleNikolay Kapustin
Classical piano masterpieces: World-famous performances you should hear at least once (41–50)
La CampanellaFranz Liszt
The delicate melody, modeled after the sound of bells, is striking, with beautiful leaps and ornaments in the high register resonating throughout.
The piano piece, revised in 1851, is characterized by passionate expressiveness that embodies the essence of Romantic music and by virtuosic performance demands.
Inspired by Niccolò Paganini’s playing in 1831, Franz Liszt arranged the theme of a violin concerto for piano.
Frequently used as background music in films and television shows, it has captivated many listeners.
This work is recommended for those who want to study in a quiet environment with focus.
Its bell-like, transparent timbre will calm the mind while maintaining a moderate sense of tension.
Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry
Characterized by an elegant and serene melody, this piece is filled with joy and hope celebrating the birth of new life.
Despite its brief duration of about 1 minute and 25 seconds, it demands delicate touch and expressive nuance.
The key to performance lies in conveying the work’s grace and joy through subtle changes in phrasing and dynamics.
Often featured in piano education settings, it is recommended for those wishing to cultivate expressiveness or seeking an encore piece for a recital.
In May 2023, a concert including this piece was held at the Paris Conservatoire, captivating the audience.
Suite bergamasque, No. 3: Clair de LuneClaude Debussy
The third piece from Claude Debussy’s Suite bergamasque, Clair de Lune, is considered his most famous work.
It is frequently featured in concerts and used as background music in visual media.
This exquisitely beautiful piano piece evokes a dreamlike scene where the moon’s gentle light emerges in the night sky.
In terms of tempo and note density, it isn’t particularly difficult, but conveying the piece’s unique atmosphere is a formidable challenge.
You could even say that real practice begins only after you’ve finished reading the score.
Be sure to focus on the beauty of the sound and the calm, flowing lines as you practice.
Masterpieces of Classical Piano: World-Class Performances You Should Hear at Least Once (51–60)
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, Op. 311, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Turkish March” is actually the third movement of his Piano Sonata No.
11.
Because this movement is so famous, it is often performed on its own rather than as part of the full sonata.
Speaking of “Turkish March,” Beethoven’s piece with the same title is also well known, but Mozart’s work demands more technique and endurance, making it more difficult.
However, once you finish playing it, you’re sure to feel a great sense of accomplishment! Master this masterpiece with flair and show off the results of your hard work at your recital!
Piano SonataAlban Berg
The three composers—Schoenberg at the apex and his pupils Berg and Webern—are referred to as the Second Viennese School.
Among the three, the one who wrote music closest to tonality was Berg.
His Piano Sonata, a truly great masterpiece, is the only piano piece he published during his lifetime.