[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!
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- For Beginners: Easy to Play and Sounds Impressive! Pieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [Beginner] Recommended for adult piano beginners! Beautiful & stylish piano pieces
- [For 6-year-olds] A curated selection of standout pieces for piano recitals!
- [Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
- [Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students
- [Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works
[Beginner] Also great for piano recitals! Cool classical pieces to impress if you can play them (21–30)
Happy WitchJane Bastien
Jane Bastien is an American contemporary composer who is also highly regarded as an educator.
Because she has written many works for children, many beginners may have already performed her pieces.
Among her works, I particularly recommend The Happy Witch.
As a piece that uses the mano sinistra (left hand), it is one of the easiest at the top level.
While it isn’t flashy, it’s a perfect choice for a piano recital in terms of showcasing technique.
Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDmitri Kabalevsky
Dmitry Kabalevsky, a Russian composer and pianist known for writing many excellent piano pieces for children.
Among them, the Sonatina Op.
13 No.
1 is frequently performed at recitals, and its lively, ever-changing character has captured the hearts of many young players.
The first movement, which begins with brilliant chords, is a highly impactful piece full of variety.
Aim for a performance with clear contrasts by differentiating the crisp opening, the uniquely relaxed middle section, and the recapitulation where the liveliness returns.
[Beginner] Also great for piano recitals! Classical pieces that look cool if you can play them (31–40)
glass slipperWilliam Gillock
William Gillock, a composer famed for his beautiful melodic sense to the point of being called the Schubert of music education.
His style drew out the charm of a piece through rich expression rather than advanced technique.
For that reason, Gillock’s works often appear as assignments for beginners.
This time, I’d like to introduce The Glass Slippers from among them.
It’s a perfect piece for getting used to triple meter, so it’s a good idea to tackle this piece before attempting a full-fledged waltz.
Sonatine Op. 36 No. 1 in C majorMuzio Clementi
Among the works of Muzio Clementi—born in Rome, Italy, and active in a wide range of roles including composer, pianist, teacher, and publisher—this is one of his best-known pieces.
It is one of the Six Sonatinas written for the daughter of a wealthy nobleman, and it is the easiest of the set.
Many piano students practice it during the transition from beginner to intermediate level.
A sonatina is a compact version of the musical structure known as “sonata form,” making it highly educational for learning the forms of classical music.
It’s ideal to enjoy the charm of the piece while also gaining knowledge about its structure.
Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller
A dazzling and valiant piece that concludes the 1851-published album 25 Etudes, Op.
100.
The original title of this work means “chivalry,” and true to its name, it lets you feel like the dignified yet elegant hero of a story.
The staccato passages, like a horse stepping lightly, and the scales driving toward the climax make your heart dance just by listening.
In performance, the key is whether you can express the shifting scenes through dynamics and varied touch.
It’s a piece that invites you to imagine a narrative and enjoy discovering your own unique interpretation.
“Butterfly,” Op. 2, No. 6: “Waltz of the Wurzel”Robert Schumann
Composed of 12 short pieces that flutter gracefully like butterflies, this work is an early masterpiece written by Robert Schumann around the age of 21.
Inspired by the masked-ball scene in the novel “Flegeljahre,” its sixth piece is a passionate dance in D minor.
Characterized by a powerful melody and a vibrant rhythmic drive, it is said to symbolize the feelings of the character Wult.
While the tempo and technical demands are approachable for beginners, the piece fully showcases Schumann’s poetic expressiveness.
It is recommended for those who wish to experience the charm of Romanticism while sensing its deep connection to literature.
Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545, First MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Among Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sonatas, the Piano Sonata No.
16 in C major, K.
545, is one of the most well-known works.
It is included in collections such as Sonata Albums and Sonatina Albums that many piano students use as study texts.
The first movement is especially popular and is frequently performed at piano recitals.
To bring out the full charm of this bright and lively piece, aim for even tone production and maintain precise rhythmic control throughout your performance.