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
It would be so cool to play on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces (51–60)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.
43 is a work composed in the form of a piano concerto.
Completed by Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1934, it premiered on November 7 of the same year.
Based on the theme of No.
24 from Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices, it unfolds in 24 variations.
Among them, the 18th variation is especially popular for its graceful and captivating melody and harmony, and it is frequently performed as a piano solo as well.
Aim to play it gently yet romantically, consciously bringing out the melodic line within the chords.
Daylight saving timeGeorge Gershwin
How about a soothing lullaby that’s perfect for a languid summer afternoon? It’s a piece from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess, first introduced to the world in 1935.
This work blends the free-spirited feel of jazz with the beauty of classical music, gently embracing the listener’s heart.
Though the melody is simple, you can sense deep emotions drifting beneath the surface.
The lyrics portray a mother’s love as she soothes her child and a quiet hope for the future, imbued with the spiritual worldview of African Americans.
It’s also known for its effective use in the 1959 film adaptation of Porgy and Bess.
Tenderly accompanying hearts weary from the heat and offering a peaceful moment, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to relax and savor music at an unhurried pace.
Fantasia Sakura SakuraHirai Kōsaburō
Let me introduce a solo piano piece that revives traditional Japanese music for the modern era.
Based on a long-loved melody, this work has been reborn as a fantasia for solo piano by Japanese composer Kozaburo Hirai.
It opens with a gentle introduction, then in the middle section adds drum-like rhythms that evoke the bustle of a festival.
Finally, it draws to a quiet close.
It’s as if scenes of spring in Japan are painted through sound.
Highly recommended for those interested in traditional Japanese music or looking to enjoy classical music from Japan.
Do give it a listen.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
A historic anime song that needs no introduction anymore! Even when you’re listening to an instrumental cover, LiSA’s voice echoes in your head—the melody and vocals are that striking.
It’s tempting to play it intensely all the way through, but aside from the chorus, mix in a lighter touch to create contrast and broaden your expression.
In the A section, carefully articulate the 16th notes like a galloping horse, moving bravely—but without rushing—into the B section.
At the very end, release both hands swiftly with the firm intention of letting the rests speak to the listener’s heart; you’ll be filled with a sense of accomplishment, carried by the lingering resonance.
It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces (61–70)
Dragon Quest ‘Overture’sugiyama kouichi
Known as one of Japan’s most iconic pieces of video game music, this work is distinguished by its grand orchestral sound.
It opens with a fanfare, then unfolds into an exhilarating melody.
The tune, which heralds the start of an adventure, has the power to stir the listener’s heart.
It often transcends the realm of game music to be performed in various settings, and it was even used at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
It’s a piece that not only game fans will enjoy but also one that invites a challenge on the piano.
Though short, its storytelling structure inspires a growing sense of anticipation for a new adventure every time you play it.
KanadeSukima Suichi
Released in 2004, this song by Sukima Switch is one of their signature tracks, covered by many other artists.
It’s a ballad that strongly evokes feelings of loneliness and bittersweetness—sensing the pain of parting while trying to move forward.
While Sukima Switch’s sound typically centers on guitar and piano, this track gives a particularly prominent impression of the piano’s timbre.
Even performed with just the piano, the song’s gentle atmosphere could likely be faithfully conveyed.
Shut up.Ado
A bass line like this would be played on electric bass as straight eighth notes on the same pitch, but on piano, due to its structural limitations, you typically alternate with the note an octave above.
That actually matches perfectly with the powerful melody in the chorus! For both the performer and the listener, this is really the highlight.
By striking the keys forcefully with both hands, you can faithfully carry over the original song’s intensity and, quite literally, let a loud sound roar.