Beethoven: A selection of gem-like masterpieces that are easy to play on the piano
Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest composers in the history of music.
Known for leaving masterpieces in a wide range of forms—including 32 piano sonatas, symphonies, chamber music, opera, and sacred music—he remains one of the most beloved classical composers worldwide more than 250 years after his birth.
This time, we’ve selected relatively easy pieces among Beethoven’s works that are more approachable to play on the piano.
We’ve chosen not only pieces originally written for solo piano but also a broad selection including arrangements of symphonies, so please find the one that suits you best and give it a try!
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[Beethoven] A Selection of Gemlike Masterpieces That Are Easy to Play on Piano (21–30)
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13-2 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Among Beethoven’s early piano sonatas, the second movement of the Piano Sonata No.
8 in C minor, Op.
13-2 “Pathétique,” is especially popular.
Its difficulty is around an intermediate level—advanced beginners can also take it on.
Because the piece is written in a four-voice texture reminiscent of a string quartet, you need to consider the balance among the parts.
The soprano line is the protagonist, so always practice with an awareness of the balance between the right and left hands.
It’s also recommended to practice the third movement before tackling the second movement.
Écossaises, WoO 23Ludwig van Beethoven
During Beethoven’s lifetime, duple-time dances were all the rage.
His Ecossaises, WoO 23, are performed in such duple meter and vividly reflect the cultural backdrop of the era.
The piece follows the form A–B–A–B′, C–C–D–B′, with the trickiest sections being parts A and C.
Part A begins on the offbeat, which can be challenging if you’re not used to it.
In part C, the right-hand slurs are crucial and call for a gentle touch.
Neither section is particularly difficult once you’re accustomed to them, making this a piece that’s approachable even for beginners.
Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33 No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s masterpiece, Seven Bagatelles Op.
33 No.
1.
Although it contains some slightly challenging passages because it was originally conceived as a candidate movement for a piano sonata, overall it has been shaped into a simple piece that beginners can approach with ease.
Written in E-flat major, the work maintains a generally relaxed tempo, allowing ample time before each subsequent phrase.
While it is somewhat minor within Beethoven’s oeuvre, many pianists perform it, so do consider using their interpretations as references.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.
14 in C-sharp minor, Op.
27 No.
2 “Moonlight,” first movement, is particularly easy to play for beginners.
While the third movement is fairly challenging, the first movement is known for its relatively low difficulty, making it approachable even for newcomers.
The key feature of this piece is its triplet accompaniment.
Because the triplets continue from start to finish, maintaining a steady sense of rhythm is essential.
It’s not a piece where the melody stands out prominently; rather, its function is strongly pattern-based, so be sure to become thoroughly comfortable with the triplet feel.
Piano Sonata No. 15, Op. 28 “Pastoral,” Movement IILudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s famous work Piano Sonata No.
15, Op.
28 “Pastoral,” Second Movement.
Among the pieces introduced here, this one is particularly challenging; while it still falls within the intermediate level, it belongs to the upper tier of intermediate.
In practical terms, if you can play “Farewell to the Piano” (Chopin’s “Tristesse”/Etude Op.
10 No.
3), you should be able to tackle this piece without issue.
In particular, the accompaniment that evokes sustained low tones of wind instruments requires a fair amount of stamina.
Its beautiful melody, which conjures images of the countryside, sounds wonderful in recitals, so do give it a try.