[Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]

Arabesque of WavesMiyoshi Akira

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / D Category Gold Prize: Reima Yonekura — Akira Miyoshi / Arabesque of the Waves

Akira Miyoshi’s piano solo piece Arabesque of the Waves is characterized by the delicate yet colorful expression typical of a composer who studied in France.

Although it is a compact work that can be performed in just under two minutes, the waves traced by the right and left hands and the scene of the evening moon spark the imagination, drawing listeners into a distinctive sound world that reflects the influence of French music.

It is an ideal piece for improving both technique and expressiveness—why not take on the challenge as a recital piece?

Turkish RondoJohann Burgmüller

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Turkish Rondo ♪ Burgmüller / Rondo alla Turca, Burgmüller

Johann Burgmüller, a composer born in Germany.

Many of you probably studied his piano method book, 25 Études Op.

100, as children.

Although this piece is not included in that collection, just knowing it was composed by Burgmüller alone stirs up an indescribable emotion.

The key to this piece is to keep the left-hand chords steady and regular while playing the right hand lightly and crisply on top.

What you choose to perform at a recital is crucial, so naturally you want to pick something that will leave a lasting impression.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Those Who FightUematsu Nobuo

Those Who Fight (Piano Version)

This is a powerful instrumental piece that brilliantly captures the exhilaration of in-game battles.

Its striking melody blends the grandeur of an orchestra with the timbres of electric guitar and synthesizer, overflowing with tension and a sense of speed.

The work adds dramatic flair to standard battle scenes and serves to inspire the player’s spirit.

Since its 1997 release, it has continued to captivate fans worldwide through a variety of arrangements performed by orchestras and rock bands.

Masterfully expressing both the player’s passion and the intensity of combat, this piece also has the power to draw in audiences at piano recitals, making it an excellent choice for performers aiming for expressive, emotionally rich playing.

Fantasiestücke, Op. 12: FlyingRobert Schumann

Schumann: Fantasiestücke, Op. 12 – “Flying” [Schumann Fantasiestücke Op. 12]

Composed by the German Romantic composer Robert Schumann, this piece is the second in his collection “Fantasiestücke” and, along with No.

5 “In the Night,” is one of the most popular.

Even those who aren’t classical music fans may well have heard it.

Written in 6/8 time and set at a fast tempo, it ranks on the high end of the intermediate level.

With collections like this, listening through the pieces you’re not playing can make it easier to grasp the overall concept.

Be sure to listen to the entire set and let your imagination expand as you do.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Romanian Folk Dances: Fast DanceBartók Béla

Bartók / Romanian Folk Dances No. 6 “Fast Dance” Pf. Yuko Ishimoto

This piece is one of the six short works in Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, based on Romanian folk music.

Its highly original musicality and distinctive scales make it perfect for a recital stage where you want to wow the audience with a striking performance! All six pieces are extremely intriguing, so be sure to give them a listen.

It’s wonderful—and fun—that we can hear the regional dances of the time through the piano works the composer left behind.

If you play while imagining what the dances were like and what costumes they wore, your performance will likely become even more expressive.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Études “30 Pieces for Children, Op. 27” No. 3Dmitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Etude

This compact piece, woven from a simple yet beguiling melody and dynamic rhythms, is one of the gems from “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” composed between 1937 and 1938 for young players.

The energetic right-hand melody and the powerful left-hand chords create a sonority that evokes a thrilling, dance-like spirit.

While containing elements of virtuosity, it is a piano miniature rich in expressive color.

Its conservative yet innovative chord progressions captivate listeners within a brief performance time.

Ideal for recitals and competitions, its accessible melody infused with elements of Russian folk music will resonate deeply with audiences.

Lupin the Third Theme ’78Ōno Yūji

[With Sheet Music] Lupin the Third Theme ’78 from “Lupin the Third” (Piano Solo Intermediate–Advanced) Yuji Ohno [Piano Arrangement Sheet Music] Lupin the Third

Among the many arrangements of “Theme from Lupin the Third” that vary by era, this is arguably the most famous version.

It’s a piece packed with challenging elements—up-tempo pace, complex harmonies, and a jazzy groove.

One key point of this tune is the bass rhythm.

If you keep a solid, steady left-hand bass, even if the right hand’s improvised notes or rhythms wobble a bit, it won’t stand out—and can even sound stylish! It’s easy to be distracted by the striking melody, but try focusing on the left-hand accompaniment as you practice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem