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 (111–120)
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2, ArabesqueJohann Burgmüller
Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies is a collection every piano learner encounters at least once.
Arabesque, the second piece, is especially popular for its energetic and striking character.
The right hand’s fast, detailed passages often come together smoothly thanks to their tempo-friendly patterns, but the real challenge lies in the middle section with the left hand.
The moment the melody shifts to the left hand, many players struggle to keep up with the tempo and the flow often breaks.
Except where a tempo reduction is indicated, aim to maintain the opening momentum by isolating and carefully practicing the tricky spots in small sections.
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.
Ave MariaCharles Gounod
Many people have probably heard the words “Ave Maria” at least once.
However, “Ave Maria” itself is a line from the Latin Catholic liturgy, and because pieces inspired by it are also called “Ave Maria,” there are many different “Ave Marias” around the world.
Among them, the Ave Maria composed in 1859 by the French composer Charles Gounod is a highly renowned vocal work and a classic masterpiece frequently performed as a piano solo.
Since its structure is very simple to begin with, if you choose an arrangement with fewer notes, even beginner pianists can try it with ease.
Take your time to savor the beauty of the piece and practice it carefully.
Merry Christmas Mr.LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
In March 2023, following in the footsteps of his longtime YMO-era ally Yukihiro Takahashi, who had passed away that January, Ryuichi Sakamoto—fondly known as “the Professor”—also left this world.
Among the many celebrated works Sakamoto created—revered worldwide as “Sakamoto of the World” for everything from pop and film scores to experimental music—the popularity of Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence, the main theme from the film of the same name, stands out in particular.
Though he studied classical music and was well-versed in music theory, Sakamoto approached creation with a free imagination that was never confined by it.
The melodies he crafted carry a certain nostalgia, yet they never fail to move us with a fresh sense of wonder whenever we listen.
As you’d expect from such a beloved piece, there are many beginner-friendly scores available—so why not start by giving one of those a try?
25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller
Many piano learners tackle the famous collection 25 Progressive Pieces by Burgmüller at least once.
Although regarded as relatively easy among études, it condenses essential techniques for beginners.
The 20th piece, Tarantella, is a vigorous dance primarily in 6/8 or 3/8 time.
Notably, the eighth rest between the two eighth notes starting at measure 17 demands exquisitely balanced control.
It’s a highly useful piece for cultivating delicate performance.
In conclusion
The piano can certainly feel intimidating, but no matter your age, if you have a strong desire to say, “I want to learn to play the piano!”, you can improve. What’s important is to enjoy yourself and to steadily practice while keeping your motivation up. By taking on the masterpieces introduced here, you’re sure to feel a great sense of accomplishment.