Famous pianists you should listen to at least once. Recommended pianists.
Introducing famous pianists you should listen to at least once!
Even people who aren’t into instrumentals often find themselves listening to piano pieces, right?
Unlike the guitar, the piano isn’t an instrument you run through effects, so its tonal individuality can be hard to distinguish—but that also means it appeals to a wide audience.
Here, we’re introducing professional pianists who command the piano as if it were part of their own bodies!
We’ll feature not only international pianists but also Japanese pianists.
The explanations are quite detailed, so even those who regularly listen to classical music should enjoy this!
Now, please sit back and enjoy!
- Masterpiece Performances: Introducing Japan’s World-Renowned Pianists and Their Iconic Performances
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- [Piano Variations] A comprehensive showcase of gem-like masterpieces crafted by great composers!
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
- [Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces
- Jazz Piano Masterpieces: From Classic Essentials to Contemporary Favorites
- [For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- [J-POP] I want to listen to songs with impressive, beautiful piano tones! Recommended piano cover tracks
- [Obituary] Hôko (Hiroko) Nakamura Passes Away: A Collection of Quotes from the International Pianist
- [Classical] Famous Piano Works | Gem-like Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play at Least Once in Your Lifetime
- Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
Famous pianists you should listen to at least once. Recommended pianists (11–20)
Akira Senju: Piano Concerto “Fate,” Movement IHaneda Kentarō
This is Kentaro Haneda, a Japanese pianist who also possessed remarkable talents as a composer and arranger.
While grounded in classical training, he demonstrated a shining gift in the world of pop music.
Born in 1949, he began piano at the age of three and graduated at the top of his class from Toho Gakuen School of Music.
He was active as a studio musician and served as bandleader for the backing bands of Machiko Watanabe and Alice.
His arranging skills were outstanding, contributing to numerous hit songs.
He also worked extensively in film, anime, and video game music, releasing an album in 2002 featuring arrangements from Suikoden.
With a musical range that spans from classical to pop, Haneda’s performances are recommended for all music lovers, regardless of genre.
Rachmaninoff: 10 Preludes No. 2Sorita Kyohei
Kyohei Sorita is drawing attention as one of Japan’s most promising young pianists.
Born in 1994, Sorita took first prize at the Japan Music Competition in his senior year of high school and has continued to build an impressive record since.
In October 2021, he won second prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition—the first Japanese pianist in 51 years to place that high.
His performances are both passionate and delicate, reflecting profound musical insight and superb technique.
Beyond his work as a performer, he is dedicated to promoting classical music, pursuing new initiatives such as paid streaming broadcasts and running a music salon.
His marriage to pianist Aimi Kobayashi has also attracted attention.
Highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but for anyone who wants to witness the rise of a new talent.
Shinya Kiyozuka: Baby, God Bless YouSeizuka Shinya
A pianist who gained attention for handling the piano theme and supervision for the TBS Friday drama “Kounodori.” Trained in classical piano from the age of five, they have won numerous awards in competitions both in Japan and abroad, including First Prize in the Junior High School Division at the 50th All Japan Student Music Competition National Finals, First Prize at the 1st Chopin International Piano Competition in ASIA, and the Gold Prize at the 1st Italia Piano Concorso.
They also performed the dubbing piano parts for Shinichi Chiaki in the popular drama “Nodame Cantabile” and for Wao in the film “Prodigy.”
Debussy: From Children’s Corner — “The Snow Is Dancing,” “The Little Shepherd,” “Golliwogg’s Cakewalk”Hara Chieko
She is known as one of the leading Japanese pianists of the 20th century.
Born in 1914, she was active mainly in Japan and Spain.
Also known affectionately as Chieko Hara Casado, she had a wide repertoire from the Baroque to the contemporary and was highly acclaimed for her technique and expressiveness.
She debuted in the 1930s and went on to perform on international stages.
Her connection with Gaspar Cassadó is also well known, and Hara’s music continues to influence many people today.
She was a pioneer who demonstrated the importance of women in the world of classical music, and her life was filled with deep love and dedication to music.
Highly recommended for those interested in classical music.
Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor “Funeral March”Kobayashi Aimi
Aimi Kobayashi is a rising young pianist from Japan who is drawing attention on the world stage.
Born in 1995, she has earned outstanding results in music competitions since childhood.
She received a Distinction at the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, and in 2021 she won fourth prize at the same competition, further elevating her international reputation.
On her album “New Stage List & Plays Chopin,” she performs Chopin’s masterpieces, moving listeners with playing that is both delicate and powerful.
Trained at the Curtis Institute of Music, Kobayashi’s performances are recommended not only for classical music fans but also for anyone seeking the soothing beauty of the piano.
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1hanabusa harumi
Harumi Hanafusa is one of Japan’s leading pianists, highly acclaimed both at home and abroad.
After graduating at the top of her class from Toho Gakuen High School and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, she won prizes at numerous international competitions, including the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.
She has been active on the international stage, performing with the NHK Symphony Orchestra and appearing at the Cannes Music Festival.
In January 2011, she made her American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York, and in November of the same year she performed at “SOIRÉE ANNIVERSAIRE Franz LISZT et Georges CZIFFRA.” Praised for her “brilliant performances grounded in superb technique,” Hanafusa’s music is recommended not only for classical music aficionados but also for anyone interested in piano music.
Famous pianists you should listen to at least once. Recommended pianists (21–30)
Chopin: Nocturne No. 8 in D-flat major, Op. 27 No. 2Maurizio Pollini
Maurizio Pollini is a pianist from Italy.
At the 6th International Chopin Piano Competition, which he entered at the age of 18, he won the top prize by unanimous decision of the jury, catapulting him to international fame.
He is highly regarded for his performances of Romantic composers such as Chopin and Schumann, as well as Classical-era works.
Moreover, he has not limited himself to these; he has also incorporated works from the 20th century and beyond, including Boulez, fulfilling a mission as an advocate for contemporary music.
With flawless technique and penetrating score reading that brings works into sharp relief, he is universally acknowledged as one of the finest pianists of our time.