[Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!

ChaconneJ.S.Bach＝Busoni

Hélène Grimaud: Bach – Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (arr. Ferruccio Busoni)

Chaconne appears as the final movement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita for Solo Violin.

While it is highly renowned as a violin piece, Ferruccio Busoni arranged it for piano.

Busoni, an Italian composer with profound insight into Bach’s music, crafted an arrangement that honors the spirit of the original while pursuing the rich expressive possibilities unique to the piano.

Based on a 16th-century Spanish dance, the piece begins with a brief theme and proceeds through a series of variations.

It is technically demanding and structured to draw out the piano’s full potential.

It is a highly recommended work for those who want to experience both the grandeur and the delicacy of classical music.

Hungarian Dance No. 5Johannes Brahms

Brahms – Hungarian Dance No.5

Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No.

5 is a duet practice piece that you often hear at recitals.

It’s a famous work that just about everyone has heard at least once.

Strongly influenced by Romani music, it features melodies throughout that foreshadow later gypsy jazz.

Rather than simply being showy, its themes convey passionate intensity, while the middle section gathers into a bright melody that also feels gentle.

Keeping the brilliance of the duet intact, solo piano arrangements have also been published—so be sure to give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 118 No. 3 “Ballade”Johannes Brahms

Brahms: Six Pieces, Op. 118 No. 3, Ballade in G minor — Piano: Eri Mantani

Johannes Brahms, one of Germany’s greatest composers.

Brahms wrote many pieces at an intermediate level, but among them I especially recommend “Six Pieces for Piano, Op.

118 No.

3: Ballade.” It’s a piece marked by the weighty, powerful melodies that are quintessential Brahms.

In terms of difficulty, it’s roughly equivalent to Czerny Nos.

40–50.

Although this work is said to be challenging at the beginning and end, the middle section requires legato technique in double notes, so rather than treating it like a piece with relentless, flashy passages, pay careful attention to the details as you perform it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Brilliant WaltzGlenda Austin

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Brilliant Waltz ♫ Glenda Austin / Valse Brillante, Glenda Austin

Set to a brilliant and elegant waltz rhythm, this piece captivates listeners as jazz elements are skillfully interwoven.

While the flowing melodies are enhanced with modern arrangements, the refined character of the music draws out the performer’s expressive abilities.

Glenda Austin’s works are often adopted as teaching materials in piano studios and music education settings, and are frequently chosen for recitals and competitions.

This piece, which values the distinctive feel of the waltz while combining technical challenges with musical enjoyment, is an ideal choice for upper elementary-level learners.

Impromptu FP 176 No. 15 in C minor “In Praise of Édith Piaf”Francis Poulenc

Poulenc – Improvisation No.15 “Hommage a Edith Piaf” – pianomaedaful

Francis Poulenc’s masterpiece, “Improvisation FP 176 No.

15 in C minor ‘Hommage à Édith Piaf.’” Édith Piaf, the chansonnière who represents France.

This work embodies Poulenc’s deep respect for the beloved Édith Piaf.

In terms of difficulty, it’s somewhere between D and E on the PianoVerse scale.

The quality of the performance changes greatly depending on how cleanly you play the grace notes, so it’s a good idea to practice with particular attention to that aspect.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem