[Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
You’ve moved beyond the beginner stage, but you still need a bit more experience to tackle advanced pieces… This time, we’ve gathered a cool selection of pieces that are perfect for anyone looking for intermediate-level piano music.
From delicate tones to powerful resonance, from lyrical moods to lively vibes—the expressive range of the piano is limitless!
We’re excited to introduce wonderful pieces that let you fully savor the instrument’s charm.
Alongside classic staples, we’ve included a wide variety of selections such as film music and pop tunes.
These pieces are all great choices for recitals, so if you’re unsure what to work on next, be sure to check them out!
- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- [For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces
- [Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces
- [Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- [For Piano Recitals] Simple yet Cool Classical Pieces
- [Classical Music] All pieces under 3 minutes! A collection of short and cool piano pieces
[Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Also Great for Recitals] (61–70)
Préludes, Book I, No. 8: “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair”Claude Debussy
Among the pieces in Claude Debussy’s Preludes, Book I, completed in 1910, The Girl with the Flaxen Hair has won wide acclaim for its gentle, lyrical melody.
Despite its short and easily memorable structure, it is sure to leave a deep impression, making it a perfect choice for recitals.
Debussy’s richly colored sound world can only be recreated when you have full command of tone! While building your technical foundation, don’t get fixated solely on finger movements—engage your imagination to the fullest as you play.
Fountain on a rainy dayWilliam Gillock
This piece is by the American composer William Gillock and is included in his ‘Album for the Young.’ It’s a friendly, popular piece among elementary school students and can be considered relatively easy for intermediate players.
It also uses hand-crossing technique—a skill many pianists aspire to—which gives it a glamorous sound, though it isn’t particularly difficult technically.
When you play, focus on keeping the sixteenth notes even and perform with the image of rain and the spray of a fountain in mind.
Waltz ÉtudeWilliam Gillock
William Gillock’s Waltz Etude is a hugely popular piece with a bright, charming character that captivates children.
Its appeal lies in its refined melody and the way it allows performers to express themselves richly.
We mustn’t forget the left-hand accompaniment that supports this charm, either.
For children who aren’t yet familiar with the waltz rhythm, it offers excellent practice for mastering pieces in 3/4 time.
Despite its approachable character, the performance demands solid technique, so be sure to maintain your fundamental practice and polish it carefully.
From the New World, Fourth MovementAntonín Dvořák
Symphony No.
9 “From the New World” is a representative work by the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.
Although it was not originally written for piano, its popularity has led to many published piano arrangement scores.
The difficulty varies by arrangement, but capturing the symphony’s characteristic depth and weight of sound on a single piano is quite challenging! The striking opening phrase, for example, becomes just one note per hand on the piano, whereas in the original it’s played simultaneously by multiple string instruments.
Listening to an orchestral performance before you start practicing will help you form a clearer image.
Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
8 “Pathétique” is a representative work from his early piano compositions.
Among its movements, the second is often said to be one of the most beautiful melodies Beethoven ever wrote and has been used frequently as incidental music in films and television dramas.
Although the melody is simple and its range is not particularly wide, the other parts have a rich texture, so if you don’t carefully listen for balance while playing, the melodic line tends to get buried.
Aim to play gently, keeping in mind the gracefully flowing, unhurried melody that warmly envelops the listener’s heart, supported by the weighty harmonies beneath it.
Play of WaterFranz Liszt
Maurice Ravel’s Jeux d’eau has been a beloved masterpiece among pianists since its 1902 premiere.
The piece captivates with a gentle melody that evokes the pleasant flow of water.
While influenced by Franz Liszt, it distinctly bears Ravel’s hallmark: a watercolor-like delicacy that’s easy to appreciate and warmly approachable.
It’s also an excellent first piece for exploring Impressionist music.
If approached carefully as a recital piece, it will offer both the joy of performance and tangible technical growth.
Waltz No. 6, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin
Called the “poet of the piano” and loved by many, Chopin continues to inspire countless young people who admire his music and pursue their dreams.
Among Chopin’s famous works are many pieces that demand advanced technique, but the Waltz No.
6—better known by its nickname, the “Minute Waltz”—is charming and recommended even for intermediate players.
It is said to depict his lover’s pet dog spinning in circles while chasing its own tail.
Since it has the feel of a light, short piece, being able to play it effortlessly would be quite impressive.