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 Pieces That Sound Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals (101–110)
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!
small black personClaude Debussy
“The Little Negro” is a short piano piece composed on the rhythmic basis of a two-beat dance step called the “cakewalk.” Over the left hand, which keeps a steady beat, the right hand layers light, syncopated rhythms.
Just when you think the lively mood will continue, the music turns gentle for a while.
But that doesn’t last long; from a restless feeling it returns to the cakewalk rhythm.
It’s easy to get distracted by the complex rhythms in the right hand, but in fact playing the left hand accurately is crucial.
Be sure to practice each hand separately and with care!
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.
Variations on ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
When we were children, someone in class surely played the famous piece Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman” (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star).
It’s known as an easy Mozart work, but that’s really only true of the opening.
From the 12th variation onward, it reaches a level that advanced players—or even many intermediates—can’t easily master.
In the latter half, in true Mozart fashion, the melody is transformed in the left hand, so hand size also becomes important.
For beginners, it can be a good idea to keep practicing it over a long period as a way to gauge your own level.
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!