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.
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!
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.
Lacrimosa — from “Requiem”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart’s masterpiece “Requiem in D minor, K.626: Lacrimosa” is known for its imposing, weighty melody.
Because it’s frequently used in the media, many listeners will find it familiar.
Sheet music is available at various levels, including many editions with a simplified, easy-to-play left-hand part.
It’s also recommended as practice for developing expressiveness: play it while fully singing out the slow, mournful melody.
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?
