Recommended for piano recitals! A collection of bright, upbeat pieces

Etudes, Op. 25 No. 25 “Ladies on Horseback”Johann Burgmüller

F. Burgmüller “25 Etudes” No. 25 “La Chevaleresque (The Lady’s Ride)” [Sheet Music Video]

Johann Burgmüller, active during the Romantic era, was a German composer known for his piano etudes for children.

Born in 1806, Burgmüller moved to Paris in 1832, where he established a light, elegant performance style.

This piece evokes the image of a brilliant horseback ride and incorporates a variety of techniques, including staccato, slurs, and triplets.

Written in 4/4 time and in C major, it carries a bold and sparkling character and is popular at recitals.

For piano learners, it is a highly educational work aimed at improving technique and developing musicality.

The EntertainerScott Joplin

The Entertainer piano main theme from the film “The Sting”

Scott Joplin, known as the King of Ragtime.

Active from the late 19th to the early 20th century, Joplin sought to fuse African American music with classical traditions, and this cheerful, sprightly piano piece is one of his representative works.

Published in 1902, it is characterized by its vibrant rhythm and approachable melody.

It gained renewed attention when it was used in the 1973 film The Sting, contributing to a revival of interest in ragtime music.

Structured in an A-B-A-C-D form, it features a modulation from C major to F major and the fun of raising the octave on repeats, making it a joy to perform.

It’s a recommended piece for those seeking a bright and festive atmosphere.

Piano Sonata K. 545 in C majorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Sonata K.545 in C major – Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545 – Mozart – Classic – CANACANA

This is a masterpiece by Mozart, the genius composer who represents 18th-century classical music.

It consists of three movements, each creating a different atmosphere.

The first movement features a bright, lively tune; the second offers a calm, lyrical melody; and the third is a cheerful rondo, making for a richly varied structure.

Mozart mentioned this work in a letter to his sister Nannerl on August 2, 1788, suggesting it is a piece imbued with his personal feelings.

It is an approachable work recommended for piano learners and newcomers to classical music.

The Field Day of the House MiceHirayoshi Takeshu

[Piano Recital Recommendation] A Field Day for White Mice ♪ Takekuni Hirayoshi / Hatsu-kanezumi no Undōkai

Takayasu Hirayoshi is known for his gentle musicality that resonates with children’s hearts.

Born in 1936, Hirayoshi studied composition at Tokyo University of the Arts and left many choral works and piano pieces for children.

This work is a short piece of about one minute, included in Hirayoshi’s piano collection “Niji no Rhythm” (Rainbow Rhythm), with a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

Depicting a fun sports day of little white mice, the music features a rhythmic, bright melody.

It sparks children’s imaginations and lets performers feel the joy of playing.

It’s a recommended piece for beginners at the piano or anyone looking for a light, upbeat tune.

Golliwogg’s Cakewalk – Children’s CornerClaude Debussy

Golliwogg’s Cakewalk – Children’s Corner (Debussy) Debussy – Golliwogg’s Cakewalk – Children’s Corner – pianomaedaful

This is a piece from a piano suite composed in 1908 by Claude Debussy, a leading composer of French Impressionist music, for his beloved daughter Chouchou.

Drawing on the then-popular Black doll “Golliwogg” and the American Southern dance “cakewalk,” it is a work brimming with humor and creativity.

It features lively syncopated rhythms and playful melodies, and even includes a quotation in the middle section from Wagner’s music drama.

It is noted as a pioneering attempt to fuse Western classical music with African American musical elements.

Highly recommended for those wishing to perform at a piano recital—the light, cheerful atmosphere will brighten the hall.

Invention No. 8, BWV 779J.S.Bach

Bach / Invention No. 8 in F major (J. S. Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 8 in F Major, BWV 779)

Let me introduce a keyboard piece composed in 1723 by the Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach.

Written for educational purposes, this work is widely cherished as an exercise to refine contrapuntal technique.

Set in F major and written in two-part counterpoint, it features distinct melodies in the right and left hands that resonate together as a unified harmony.

Showcasing Bach’s masterful counterpoint, it incorporates rhythmic shifts and syncopation, resulting in a dynamic and compelling structure.

It’s a highly recommended piece for anyone—from piano beginners to professionals—seeking to deepen their understanding of counterpoint.

12 Variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman” in C major, K.265 (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations) by MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations / Mozart / Variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman” K.265 / Mozart / Piano / CANACANA

Composed by the great master of classical music, Mozart, this work is characterized by its bright and accessible melodies.

Written around 1781, it consists of twelve variations on a French children’s song.

Despite its simplicity, the piece is crafted with technical sophistication that showcases Mozart’s genius.

Rich in rhythmic and harmonic variety, it never fails to keep listeners engaged.

It’s a perfect choice for a piano recital and is sure to captivate the audience.

This piece is recommended for pianists of all levels, from beginners to advanced performers.