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: Pieces That Sound Hard but Are Surprisingly Easy!? A Curated Selection Also Recommended for Recitals (41–50)
Songs Without Words, Book VII, Op. 85 No. 4 “Elegy”Felix Mendelssohn
Elegy is the fourth piece in Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, Book 7, Op.
85, published posthumously after his death.
While it may be somewhat challenging for those who have just begun learning, it is well within reach for players who have mastered basic techniques.
The ornamental sixteenth notes should not be played with the same strength as the main melody; they must remain a quiet accompaniment, yet with expressive shaping—this is crucial.
Accidentals also appear fairly frequently, so make sure your score reading is solid and practice slowly and carefully.
Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals (51–60)
Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller
This is an elegant piece that exudes a mysterious atmosphere from the opening.
Its compelling structure—rich in narrative thanks to the contrast between C minor and C major—captivates the listener as it shifts from a tense first section to a serene middle passage.
The scene woven by the right hand’s repeated notes and the left hand’s flowing patterns evokes the image of a solitary traveler journeying through a forest.
Johann Burgmüller balances expressive richness with technical elements to great effect.
This work is recommended for those interested in pieces with a strong narrative quality or who enjoy dramatic expression.
Published in Paris in 1851, it continues to be cherished by many performers today.
Detective Conan Main ThemeŌno Katsuo
When it comes to anime songs with cool brass and guitar, the Detective Conan Main Theme is a must.
Music that features a brassy, wind ensemble-like sound or guitar-centric arrangements tends to be avoided on piano.
However, if you make good use of both your right and left hands, it’s perfectly playable on the piano.
The melody of the Detective Conan Main Theme actually contains many sustained notes and isn’t overly busy, so it should be approachable even for beginners.
For those who’ve just started playing piano or are tackling a pop song for the first time, a simplified left-hand arrangement is recommended.
Alliance de David, Dance Collection No. 18, Non presto, C major — not fastRobert Schumann
The serene miniature that closes Davidsbündlertänze invites listeners into the world overflowing with Robert Schumann’s poetic sensibility.
True to the indication “Not fast,” its gently flowing melody and tender harmonies convey a calming warmth.
Among the pieces first published in January 1838, this one is particularly imbued with an introspective mood, revealing Schumann’s delicate sensitivity.
Ending peacefully, it is approachable for beginner-level piano students and offers an accessible taste of Romantic expressiveness.
Performed at a relaxed tempo, it allows one to savor Schumann’s distinctive poetic expression.
Children’s Corner No. 6: “Golliwogg’s Cakewalk”Claude Debussy
A thrilling piece in which a lively, upbeat melody overlays the cakewalk rhythm—a dance that was popular in America at the time it was composed.
“Golliwogg’s Cakewalk,” the sixth piece from Children’s Corner, is a popular work often chosen for recitals.
The Golliwogg was the name of a then-popular doll, and it is said to have been a favorite of Claude Debussy’s daughter.
With its distinctive dynamics and accents, it’s an engaging piece; by carefully observing the instructions written in the score and maintaining a buoyant rhythm, you can bring out its charm in performance.
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: No. 3 “Anitra’s Dance”Edvard Grieg
A piece from the suite Peer Gynt, composed by Grieg, who is hailed as the Chopin of Norway.
Anitra tries to seduce the protagonist, Peer Gynt, with a captivating dance in an attempt to get his wealth.
The piece vividly expresses that scene! Because the basic melody repeats frequently, it’s recommended for beginners or children’s recital performances.
Play the opening lightly, and render the hand-crossing sections with a mysterious touch.
Another hallmark is the frequent use of staccato—be careful not to make it too forceful; keep the articulation light.
Album for the Young, Op. 39-20: “Baba-Yaga (The Witch)”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Track 20, “Baba Yaga (The Witch),” from Album for the Young, Op.
39, exudes a foreboding atmosphere that suggests something bad is about to happen.
It is one of the piano miniatures Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky dedicated to his nephew.
Baba Yaga is the name of a terrifying witch from old Russian folk tales who eats human flesh—perfectly matching the mood of the piece.
With its speed and powerful character, it’s a work especially popular among boys studying piano.
Put on a cool outfit and play with crisp articulation!