[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!
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- [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
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- 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)
Bergamasque Suite No. 1: PreludeClaude Debussy
Among Claude Debussy’s works, the Suite bergamasque is known for its approachable character.
The first movement, Prélude, opens with a bright melody like a shaft of light, passes through a middle section tinged with an uneasy atmosphere that employs church modes, and then returns to the opening theme as if the view suddenly clears before you.
While some of Debussy’s piano pieces defy conventional tonality and can be hard to grasp, this piece retains a sense of tonality and readily evokes imagery, making it a relatively accessible work to tackle.
Arabesque in C major, Op. 18Robert Schumann
Combining elegance with expressive richness, Robert Schumann’s Arabesque in C major, Op.
18 was composed in 1839 during his troubled days in Vienna.
Infused with Schumann’s signature poetic sensibility that captivates listeners, this piece is an excellent choice for a recital, offering a perfect opportunity to cultivate both lyricism and technique.
In particular, the turbulent section that follows the gentle passages provides outstanding practice for expanding one’s expressive range.
For intermediate players aiming to refine their performance skills, studying this work can also be a significant step toward building confidence.
Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, Op. 65, No. 6: “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen”Edvard Hagerup Grieg
A piano piece composed by Edvard Grieg to commemorate his silver wedding anniversary with his wife, Nina, whose title includes the name of the place where the Griegs lived.
Interweaving a festive atmosphere with quiet joy, the work symbolizes the couple’s happy life.
Its appeal lies in the contrast between a march-like first section and a more introspective second section.
While there are technically challenging passages, it is an excellent piece for honing musical expression.
It is also popular as entertainment at weddings and has a charm that leaves listeners feeling happy.
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.
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.
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A staple piece for piano recitals and one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most popular piano works, the “Turkish March.” Originally the third movement of the Piano Sonata No.
11 in A major, K.
331, it is often performed on its own in concerts and recitals rather than as part of the full sonata.
Its familiar melody is arranged in a variation-like manner, with the difficulty increasing toward the latter half.
To ensure you can play through to the end without losing lightness or momentum, carefully polish the finer techniques through diligent practice.
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.