Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
Many people probably think, “It would be so cool and fun if I could play the piano!” I usually teach piano at home, and I have many adult students who come to me asking, “Is it still possible for me to learn to play from now?” So this time, I’ll introduce piano pieces that may look difficult but are surprisingly approachable on the piano, focusing on classical music! Perfectly pursuing the essence of a piece does require considerable technique, but in some cases there are published scores with simple arrangements that even beginners can play shortly after starting.
If you’re thinking about starting the piano, or if you’re hoping to perform at a recital someday, I hope you’ll find this helpful!
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Pieces to Play at a Recital
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- For Beginners: Easy to Play and Sounds Impressive! Pieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- Recommended for piano beginners! 10 sheet music picks that adults can enjoy too
- [Piano Pieces] Easy for Children to Play! A Roundup of Simple Classical Works
- Lower difficulty: Not as hard as it sounds!? Debussy’s piano pieces
Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals (91–100)
Amazing Gracesanbika
Amazing Grace is a timeless classic beloved around the world and covered by countless singers.
Originally a hymn, it’s so cherished in the United States that it’s often called a “second national anthem.” Beyond the resonance of its God-praising lyrics, isn’t its appeal most powerfully found in its soul-stirring, beautiful melody? Its sublime beauty pairs wonderfully with the piano’s delicate timbre, making it a frequent choice for recitals and concerts.
While many different arrangements have been published, even a simple arrangement lets you fully savor the song’s original beauty.
French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: GigueJ.S.Bach
Enveloped in a light, dance-like rhythm, this piece serves as the brilliant finale to the French Suite No.
2.
Its lively 3/8 meter and contrapuntal structure are exquisitely interwoven, creating a beautiful musical dialogue through the interplay between the right and left hands.
Composed around 1722, the work is also included in the music notebook compiled for his wife, Anna Magdalena, conveying the warmth of music-making in the home.
While the key of C minor lends depth and tension, the characteristic vitality of a dance is never lost.
It is recommended for those wishing to take on Baroque music or experience the beauty of counterpoint.
Though it presents technical challenges, it also demands musical expressiveness, making it a compelling work that offers the joy of performing as well as the pleasure of listening.
Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Pieces That Sound Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals (101–110)
Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller
This is a passionate piece in 6/8 time, modeled on a traditional dance from southern Italy.
It features a vibrant, driving rhythm and light, graceful melodies, and was published in Paris in 1851.
Named after the southern Italian city of Taranto, the work skillfully captures the atmosphere of the folk dance that was actually performed there.
In the middle section, it modulates to the parallel major, shifting to a more brilliant character in a captivating structure.
With its sprightly rhythm and energetic melody, this piece is ideal for those who want to enjoyably build fundamental piano technique.
It also makes a wonderful choice for a recital, sure to captivate the audience.
To That SummerHisaishi Joe
The main theme “One Summer’s Day” from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, released in 2001.
Ghibli pieces are very popular because many of them can be played on the piano! The opening features a beautifully memorable melody, so try to focus on bringing out the right-hand line.
From the middle section, let’s build excitement with the powerful, unfolding scale passages.
This part might be a bit tricky, so don’t give up—keep practicing! It’s also a piece whose character changes depending on the performer, so it could be nice to play it in your own style.
Waltz No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. posth. “Sostenuto”Frederic Chopin
The Waltz No.
18 in E-flat major, Op.
posth., discovered in a private British collection and published in 1952—more than a century after Frédéric Chopin’s death—is also known by the title “Sostenuto.” Because it contains no major shifts or passages requiring advanced technique, it is considered approachable; yet precisely due to its simplicity, it is also a piece that tests the performer’s expressive ability.
Incidentally, among Chopin’s waltzes, the highly popular “Grande valse brillante” is Opus 18.
In terms of numbering, it is No.
1, not No.
18, so please be careful not to confuse them!
SummerHisaishi Joe
Every time summer arrives in Japan, this light yet somehow nostalgic melody pops into our heads—surely many people feel the same.
Joe Hisaishi’s timeless classic “Summer,” by one of Japan’s most celebrated composers, was released as the main theme for Takeshi Kitano’s 1999 film “Kikujiro,” and later featured in commercials, becoming a beloved piece around the world.
It’s also included on Hisaishi’s own piano solo album ENCORE, so there are certainly those who prefer “Summer” as a solo piano piece.
Sheet music is available for various skill levels, so even those lacking confidence in their playing can enjoy it without getting discouraged!
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, Op. 311, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Turkish March” is actually the third movement of his Piano Sonata No.
11.
Because this movement is so famous, it is often performed on its own rather than as part of the full sonata.
Speaking of “Turkish March,” Beethoven’s piece with the same title is also well known, but Mozart’s work demands more technique and endurance, making it more difficult.
However, once you finish playing it, you’re sure to feel a great sense of accomplishment! Master this masterpiece with flair and show off the results of your hard work at your recital!