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 (11–20)
Pachelbel’s CanonJohann Pachelbel
Pachelbel’s Canon, beloved for its beautiful melody that makes you feel happy as you play, is officially titled “Canon and Gigue in D major for three violins and basso continuo.” Composed as church music, it maintains a gentle character throughout, with the beauty of its harmonic shifts standing out.
The key to this piece is to value the horizontal flow and connect the notes smoothly.
Imagine music resonating in a quiet church, and try to align each note evenly as you play!
Fantaisie-ImpromptuFrederic Chopin
Among Chopin’s works, this piece is especially well-known and popular at competitions and recitals! It was originally a piece that was never meant to be published, but after Chopin’s death it saw the light of day thanks to his friend Julian Fontana, who had it published.
The contrast between the rapid passages at the beginning and the stillness in the middle section is beautiful.
The fast runs at the start may seem quite difficult, but train your body by moving your fingers slowly and letting the motions sink in.
With piano, practice is everything!
Gymnopédie No. 1Erik Satie
A solo piano piece composed by Erik Satie.
It consists of three pieces, No.
1 through No.
3, and is a masterpiece with a gently flowing sense of time.
Although No.
1 carries the direction “slowly, with pain,” it’s more often associated with a soothing image, isn’t it? It’s also known for its strong healing effect and is used as background music in hospitals, as well as in theater and on television to evoke quietude.
It’s easy enough for beginner pianists to play, so I’d love for you to give it a try.
Take your time and savor each note as you play.
Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven
Für Elise, a masterpiece many beginners who start learning the piano admire.
Among Japanese people, it’s often said to be the classical piece they’re most likely to be able to name.
Its wistful, beautiful melody is very easy to remember, and the overall tempo is relaxed, making it approachable even for beginners.
In the middle section before the main theme returns, nimble finger work is required, but you should be able to master it with careful practice and by choosing the most suitable fingering.
While paying attention to the contrast between the gentle passages and the more intense ones, aim to perform with rich expression.
Liebestraum (Dream of Love)Franz Liszt
A set of three piano pieces composed by Franz Liszt.
It carries the subtitle “Three Nocturnes,” and the third piece is especially well loved.
Distinguished by its beautiful melodies and dramatic development, it is often performed at recitals and competitions.
The piece makes lavish use of the entire keyboard, and some passages are quite challenging, so it’s one you’ll want to practice thoroughly by dividing it into sections.
As a personal practice method, I recommend marking tally marks directly on the score each time you practice a section; seeing your practice volume helps build confidence.
Give it a try!
Amazing GraceSakkyokusha fumei
Amazing Grace is known for its deeply moving, beautiful melody.
Many people likely remember Minako Honda’s crystal-clear voice singing it.
With a title meaning “the wonderful grace of God,” the song is originally a hymn with lyrics by the English clergyman John Newton.
In the United States, it is cherished as a “second national anthem,” and in Japan it is widely used in films and television dramas.
Because it consists of a simple 16-bar melody repeated, aim to perform it expressively by varying dynamics, phrasing, and arrangement.
Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals (21–30)
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Although it is also famous as a violin piece, it is originally an arrangement of the second movement, “Air,” from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.
3 in D major, made by a German violinist for solo violin with piano accompaniment.
The title “Air on the G String” is a nickname, said to come from the fact that it can be played entirely on the G string, the lowest of the violin’s four strings.
Because the melody is gentle and flowing, it’s recommended for beginners.
The deep, weighty sound in the left hand is also a key point, so be mindful of the left hand as well as the rhythm in the right hand when you play.