[Beginner] Also great for piano recitals! Classical pieces that look cool when you can play them
Many people who want to learn to play the piano probably think that those admired classical pieces are impossible until you can already play to some extent.
For those people, we’ve picked out beginner-friendly classical pieces that will look cool when you can play them! While flashy and dynamic piano works often demand advanced technique, the pieces we’re introducing here are all masterpieces within easy reach for beginners, letting you enjoy short yet impressive phrases.
We’re also including famous pieces arranged for beginners, so whether you’re looking for a recital piece for your child or you’ve started learning piano as an adult, be sure to check them out!
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[Beginner] Also recommended for piano recitals! Classical pieces that look cool when you can play them (1–10)
CanonJohann Pachelbel
The masterpiece Canon and Gigue in D major for three violins and basso continuo by Baroque master Johann Pachelbel—better known as Pachelbel’s Canon.
Composed for violins and basso continuo, the piece is highly regarded for its serene and joyful character.
Its captivating chord progression and ground-like bass structure allow for endless variations.
The graceful melody is pleasing to the ear and conveys a sense of joy.
Because the same chord progression repeats, it’s easy even for beginners to play, making it a popular staple at piano recitals.
Known for his simple contrapuntal style, Pachelbel’s works were reappraised amid renewed interest in Baroque music in the mid-20th century.
A recommended piece for all who love music.
Dance of the WitchesTheodor Kullak
Witches’ Dance by the German composer Theodor Kullak is a highly popular piece that is often chosen for recitals and competitions.
Its eerie mood, which conjures the image of witches dancing in a circle, is irresistibly cool! Within this roughly one-minute piece are packed essential piano techniques—such as thumb-under for scales, fingertip staccato, and rapid alternation of neighboring fingers for trills—making it an ideal choice for those looking to develop their technique.
Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven
When you hear “Turkish March,” the first pieces that probably come to mind are either Mozart’s or Beethoven’s.
Since we’re focusing on a beginner-friendly piece this time, we’re looking at the latter: the fourth movement from Beethoven’s incidental music The Ruins of Athens, composed in 1811.
The composer himself reportedly titled it “Turkish March,” and a simplified piano-solo arrangement is popular at recitals.
Its distinctive Turkish-style rhythm—fashionable around the 18th century—and the bold melody that evokes a military march are really striking.
The quick right-hand passages might feel a bit tricky at first, but once you get used to them, even beginners shouldn’t find it too difficult!
[Beginner] Also recommended for piano recitals! Cool classical pieces to play (11–20)
Csikos PostHermann Necke
When it comes to classical music at sports festivals, most people probably think of Orpheus in the Underworld, or the piece we’re introducing today, Csíkos Post.
Its composer, Hermann Necke, isn’t as well-known as other famous classical composers, but despite having written nearly 300 pieces, this Csíkos Post is essentially his only widely recognized work.
If you can play its powerful rhythm and vivid melody on the piano—the kind that makes you want to break into a run—it’s guaranteed to sound cool.
That said, because octaves appear frequently, it may be difficult even for players with some piano experience.
It’s a good idea to start with a simplified score to grasp the melody and rhythmic character, and once you’re comfortable, try speeding it up!
Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 8: The Brave RiderRobert Schumann
Let me introduce No.
8, “The Brave Rider,” from Album for the Young, a collection of 43 short piano pieces composed by Robert Schumann, a German composer representative of the Romantic era.
Also known in Japanese as “The Rough Rider,” this piece lasts less than a minute yet features a characteristically Romantic melody that combines vigor with refinement, and a ternary form whose middle section modulates to F major for a rather dramatic turn.
The original title is said to have been “The Rocking-Horse Rider,” so don’t let the Japanese title lead you into playing too roughly; aim to shape the expression while constantly keeping the 6/8 meter and triplet feel in mind during performance.
At the time of the danceHeinrich Lichner
Dance Time by the German composer Heinrich Lichner, known for leaving many works for beginning pianists.
Alongside Lichner’s Forget-Me-Not and A Short Story, it is a piece often chosen for recitals.
While maintaining a light waltz rhythm, aim to play the charming melody and the triplets that appear like grace notes with a bright, sparkling tone.
Also, pay attention to the sustained bass notes on the first beat of the accompaniment!
Spinning SongAlbert Ellmenreich
Although details of his life are unclear, Albert Ellmenreich—known in 19th-century Germany as a court theatre actor and composer—left behind one work that remains famous: “Spinning Song.” It’s a staple at piano recitals and has even been used in commercials, so most people will recognize the melody when they hear it.
True to its title, “Spinning Song” features a somewhat up-tempo, lively melody that evokes the motion of a spinning wheel.
The left-hand accompaniment repeats a simple pattern, but be careful in the middle section not to overexert yourself in the octaves, while also avoiding monotony.
If you shape the dynamics well throughout, you can deliver a stylish performance!