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!
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [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
Cool if you can play them on piano! A pick of irresistibly charming masterpieces (21–30)
Piano Sonata No. 0 “Sōmei”Kakuno Hayato
Hayato Sumino, a pianist attracting attention as part of a new generation, captivates many music fans with works that fuse classical technique with a contemporary sensibility.
This piece, while employing sonata form, is an ambitious work that incorporates improvisational elements and free expression.
Its grand sonorities, reminiscent of Rachmaninoff, blend beautifully with a fresh approach informed by jazz.
Released in December 2020, the piece encapsulates Sumino’s spirit of musical exploration and rich sensibility.
It is a work we highly recommend to those interested in new musical expressions that transcend the boundaries of classical music.
threadNakajima Miyuki
A masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima released in 1998.
It has enjoyed immense popularity, having been covered by many artists including Bank Band, and even inspiring the film Ito.
Its gentle melody, which seems to express two people supporting each other, has earned it widespread support, making it a wedding staple today.
Since the original sound is built around a tender piano tone, you can enjoy performing it entirely on the piano—including the vocal lines—while preserving the original atmosphere.
It’d be so cool to play on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces (31–40)
Etude Op. 10 No. 3 “Farewell”Frederic Chopin
Etude Op.
10 No.
3 by Frédéric Chopin, known as the “Farewell” (Tristesse) Etude.
Chopin composed 27 piano etudes that, in addition to technical elements, possess a high degree of artistry, and among them this piece is considered one of the most popular for its beautiful melody and approachable character.
Although it is relatively less difficult compared to other Chopin etudes, careful practice of fine techniques is essential.
At the same time, to avoid a mechanical performance that fixates solely on finger movement, it is advisable to focus on the smoothness of the melody and on conveying the shifts in character in the middle section.
Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2: Prelude “The Bell”Sergei Rachmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s celebrated piece Prelude “The Bells,” No.
2 from Fantaisie-Tableaux Op.
3, became widely known beyond classical music fans when figure skater Mao Asada used it for her free program in the 2009–2010 season.
Many listeners were likely captivated by its beautiful melody, which expresses deep sorrow and suffering with a sparing number of notes.
The contrast between the opening, shrouded in profound darkness, and the middle section—still in a minor key yet full of vitality—also contributes to its dramatic character.
To achieve a performance with real depth, it’s important not only to shape dynamics but to strongly imagine infusing the tone color itself with emotion.
Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
14, known as the “Moonlight” Sonata, is one of his three great piano sonatas and a work that captivates many.
The first movement in particular is a famous piece that even people outside classical music circles often encounter.
From the delicate arpeggios of the introduction to the melody that tugs at the heartstrings, the opening has a power that draws listeners in.
While savoring the beauty of the shifting harmonies, perform with care, as if preserving the silence throughout.
Baby, God Bless YouSeizuka Shinya
Shinya Kiyozuka, a pianist known for his unique and approachable personality, is also active on television.
He drew attention at the 2020 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen when he accompanied Aya Shimazu.
“Baby, God Bless You” was released in 2015 as the main theme for the TBS Friday drama “Kounodori.” Though it has no lyrics and consists solely of piano performance, it’s a heartwarming piece that moves people deeply.
It suits any scene, making it a great recommendation for performances at weddings and similar occasions.
Ode to Joy (arranged by Liszt)Ludwig van Beethoven
This work is Franz Liszt’s solo piano arrangement of the final movement of Symphony No.
9, beloved as a year-end tradition.
Published in 1865 by Breitkopf & Härtel, the arrangement is an ambitious attempt to recreate the grandeur of orchestra and chorus on a single piano.
The original themes—imbued with ideals of humanism and universal brotherhood—are conveyed more intimately through the piano’s delicate timbres, offering both enveloping power and introspective depth.
Demanding a fusion of transcendental technique and spiritual insight, this piece showcases the piano’s expressive range; performed at a year-end house party or salon concert, it is sure to leave listeners deeply moved.