Recommended for piano recitals! A collection of bright, upbeat pieces
When it comes to piano recitals, don’t you often find yourself unsure which piece to play?
Even if you have a vague image like “I want to play a piece with a certain mood,” it can be hard to come up with specific titles.
Many famous classical pieces in minor keys are cool and impressive, but they tend to sound a bit dark, don’t they?
So in this article, I’ll introduce a wide selection of bright, upbeat pieces that are perfect for a piano recital.
From well-known favorites to hidden gems that sound great on stage, I’ve picked pieces across a broad range.
Try choosing one with a difficulty level that suits your playing.
Playlist
| Recommended for piano recitals! A collection of bright, upbeat pieces | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Etudes, Op. 25 No. 25 “Ladies on Horseback”Johann Burgmüller | play_arrow | An educational piano étude depicting Burgmüller’s horseback-riding scene |
| 2east | The EntertainerScott Joplin | play_arrow | Joplin's representative ragtime work |
| 3east | Piano Sonata K. 545 in C majorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart | play_arrow | A masterpiece by Mozart in three movements |
| 4east | The Field Day of the House MiceHirayoshi Takeshu | play_arrow | Takashi Hiraoyoshi’s piano pieces for children |
| 5east | Golliwogg’s Cakewalk – Children’s CornerClaude Debussy | play_arrow | A Debussy-style cakewalk piano piece |
| 6east | Invention No. 8, BWV 779J.S.Bach | play_arrow | Bach’s Counterpoint Etudes |
| 7east | 12 Variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman” in C major, K.265 (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations) by MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart | play_arrow | Mozart’s approachable variations |
| 8east | Piano Sonata No. 20 in G majorLudwig van Beethoven | play_arrow | Introduce beginner-friendly piano pieces by Beethoven |
| 9east | Trumpet SerenadeFritz Spindler | play_arrow | Spindler’s trumpet-like piano piece |
| 10east | Sonatina No. 8 in G major, Op. 36 No. 2Muzio Clementi | play_arrow | Clementi's bright and educational piano pieces |
| 11east | Maiden’s PrayerTekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska | play_arrow | An elegant piano piece by a Polish composer |
| 12east | Song of SpringFelix Mendelssohn | play_arrow | A piano piece by Mendelssohn that depicts spring |
| 13east | Prelude (8 Concert Etudes)Nikolai Kapustin | play_arrow | A piece by Kapustin that fuses classical music and jazz |
| 14east | Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53 (Heroic Polonaise)Frederic Chopin | play_arrow | A magnificent masterpiece imbued with Chopin’s patriotism |
| 15east | Waterside (from “Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY XII”)Uematsu Nobuo | play_arrow | Nobuo Uematsu’s Piano Collection: Beautiful and Healing Masterpieces |
| 16east | Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart | play_arrow | The Appeal and Techniques of Mozart’s Famous Piano Pieces |
| 17east | Polka from Album for ChildrenLouis Heinrich Köhler | play_arrow | Make the recital fun with a lively polka tune |
| 18east | Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven | play_arrow | Honing expressiveness through Beethoven’s marches |
| 19east | Wiener MarchCarl Czerny | play_arrow | Charming piano pieces of Austria |
| 20east | Brave SoldierCornelius Gurlitt | play_arrow | A powerful march that stirs a boy’s heart |
| 21east | Etude AllegroNakata Yoshinao | play_arrow | A lively and glamorous piano piece for children |
| 22east | Carnival BallWilliam Gillock | play_arrow | A passionate piece with the charm of samba rhythm |
| 23east | A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten | play_arrow | A charming tale where dolls sleep and dance |
| 24east | Something good might happen!Yuyama Akira | play_arrow | A piano piece that fuses classical and jazz |
| 25east | In the ForestAlbert Ketèlbey | play_arrow | A gentle, shade-like piano piece that soothes the heart |
| 26east | Third movement from Sonatina, Op. 36 No. 1Muzio Clementi | play_arrow | Lively three movements, virtuosic and captivating |
| 27east | Impromptu of the WindNakata Yoshinao | play_arrow | A melody like a refreshing, free wind |
| 28east | Suite ‘Dolly’ Op. 56 No. 4, Kitty-ValseGabriel Fauré | play_arrow | Play the graceful waltz of French music on the piano |
| 29east | Sonatine No. 8, Movement IMuzio Clementi | play_arrow | The charm of piano pieces: brilliant and powerful |
| 30east | Midnight Fire FestivalHirayoshi Takeshu | play_arrow | Kiyosu Hirayoshi’s dynamic solo piano piece |
| 31east | Sonatina No. 1, Movement I, Op. 20-1Friedrich Kuhlau | play_arrow | A clear and approachable piece in C major |
| 32east | Sonatina No. 10, First MovementMuzio Clementi | play_arrow | A masterpiece that conveys the expressiveness and allure of piano music |
| 33east | SummerHisaishi Joe | play_arrow | The Appeal and Characteristics of the Piano Pieces from Kikujiro’s Summer |
| 34east | Serenade of the BuglerFritz Spindler | play_arrow | A song with a bright melody that lifts your spirits |
| 35east | Stilienne – Burgmüller 25 Études, Op. 100 No. 14Johann Burgmüller | play_arrow | A triple-meter piece inspired by traditional Alpine dance music |
| 36east | Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “The Hunt”Johann Burgmüller | play_arrow | A brilliant march inspired by Islamic art |
| 37east | Sonatina No. 7, First MovementMuzio Clementi | play_arrow | An elegant and technically skillful piano piece, brilliant and bright. |


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