It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
When you think of piano pieces, many people probably picture classical works, right?
But nowadays, not only classical music—J-POP, anime songs, and all kinds of tracks—are performed on the piano, and “I tried playing it” videos are gaining attention on social media and video platforms.
Some of you might be enjoying watching these videos every day, surprised to find, “Wow, this song actually goes really well with the piano!”
So this time, we’ve picked out songs that would look seriously cool if you could play them on the piano!
Alongside timeless classical masterpieces, we’ll also introduce the latest hit songs that sound great on piano.
If you’re thinking, “I want to wow everyone with my piano performance!”, be sure to use this as a reference!
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- [Advanced] Super cool if you can play it! Selection of famous piano pieces
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- Even beginners can play them easily on the piano! A curated selection of popular and latest J-POP songs.
- [Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces
- [Piano × J‑Pop] A curated selection of the coolest new hits and anime songs that’ll look great when you play them
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
If you can play them on piano, you’ll look cool! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces (91–100)
KanadeSukima Suichi
It’s a masterpiece whose gentle yet heartrending emotion resonates from the very first piano intro.
It conveys the desire to express bonds with loved ones through music, transcending physical distance and the passage of time.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough” and as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta,” it captured the hearts of many.
The serene piano melody and the richly expressive vocals blend in perfect balance, and since its release in March 2004, it became a long-running hit, charting on Oricon for 38 weeks.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to cherish it as a song of memories, or to express feelings for someone special through music.
RailwayCharles Valentin Alkan
Composed in 1844 by Charles-Valentin Alkan, this piano solo piece takes the railway—an icon of the Industrial Revolution—as its motif.
The steady rhythm pulsed by the left hand intertwines vividly with the brilliant right-hand melodic line, superbly evoking the powerful rumble of a steam locomotive and the regular turning of its wheels.
While the piece is light and rhythmic, it also weaves in the rich expressiveness characteristic of Romantic music, resulting in an original work that captivates listeners.
It is recommended for those who want to deliver a striking performance at a recital or take on a technically demanding piece.
A beloved classic, it is often featured on radio programs and in railway-related documentaries.
Waltz EtudeWilliam Gillock
A captivating classical piece with a beautiful triple meter, it enchants the audience from the opening with a lively and dazzling waltz rhythm.
Beginning in G major, the middle section modulates to E-flat major, where the tempo relaxes and settles, lending the entire work a profound expressiveness.
Demanding both delicate touch and powerful expression, this piece—released in 1972—fully showcases the piano’s expressive range.
Its blend of graceful melody and brilliance makes it an ideal choice for recital performance.
With inventive technical features throughout, it is a superb work that rewards practice by deepening musicality.
Offering the chance to experience the waltz’s rhythmic character and the color changes brought by modulation, it is perfectly suited for upper elementary school recital programs.
New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone
This is a renowned piece that originated from an Italian film released in 1988.
Deeply intertwined with the film’s story, the song is used effectively in emotional scenes such as the protagonist’s first love, parting, and reunion.
Characterized by its beautiful melody and profound lyrics, it resonates with many listeners.
Scored primarily for strings and piano, its relaxed tempo is striking, and it shines as a piece to practice on the piano.
Transcending the realm of film music, it has been covered by various artists and is recommended for fans of classical and easy listening alike.
It’s a piece I especially encourage those who want to experience the moving fusion of film and music to play.
Carnival BallWilliam Gillock
This piece is a brilliant, rhythmic work inspired by Brazil’s Carnival, featuring striking samba rhythms and melodies.
Its left-hand syncopation and lively right-hand phrases are captivating, vividly expressing the dynamism of Latin music.
Published in 1969, it conveys a passionate atmosphere despite its simplicity and has an addictive quality that makes both performers and listeners instinctively start to move.
With an energetic, cool character that’s perfect for boys, it’s sure to energize the venue when performed at a piano recital.
Combining a natural flow that masks its technical demands with strong stage appeal that enchants audiences, it’s a superb piece.
Chase the mysteryJuhara Ryoko
A piece characterized by a mysterious, thrilling atmosphere.
Its storyline-like structure, which unfolds gradually from a suspenseful introduction, creates a sense of immersion reminiscent of game or anime background music.
Though only about the difficulty level of completing Beyer, it skillfully weaves in rhythmic changes and harmonic progressions, resulting in a work that shines on stage.
Included in the album “Piano Land 5: Sing and Play with Your Teacher” and published by Ongaku No Tomo Sha in February 1992, this piece is beloved for allowing performers to express the music as if telling a story.
Highly recommended for those who want to perform at recitals or competitions.
With a powerful performance, it is sure to captivate the audience.
Armand in A major, WoO 81Ludwig van Beethoven
Composed in Vienna in 1793, this gracefully flowing dance in 4/4 time follows a traditional German style that was popular from the 16th to the 17th century.
The brilliant melody in the right hand blends beautifully with the calm accompaniment in the left, offering rich musical expression despite its brief duration.
Within its gentle flow, the work weaves in Beethoven’s distinctive individuality, making it enjoyable to play in a relaxed mood.
Its simple yet captivating melody is perfect for those who want to practice the piano with pleasure or explore the world of classical music.
It is also well known through performances by distinguished pianists such as Gianluca Cascioli and Ronald Brautigam.