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

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Also Great for Recitals] (111–120)

Humoresques, Op. 101 No. 7Antonin Dvořák

Humoreske – Antonin Dvorák, piano: Guilherme Amaral

Humoresques, Op. 101 No. 7Antonin Dvořák

Antonín Dvořák’s masterpiece, Humoresques, is notable for its gentle, relaxed melody.

This time, I’d like to introduce No.

7 from the set, Humoresques, Op.

101.

The key points of this piece are reading the score and the modulation section.

As for reading the score, it presents a fairly high level of difficulty for beginners.

Then there’s the modulation section: octaves appear suddenly, so be sure to warm up your fingers thoroughly before tackling it.

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Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Movement ISergei Rachmaninov

Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement I (Rachmaninoff) Piano performance: Chiharu Sudo [from “Exquisite Piano ALL THE BEST / Exquisite Piano 2018 Spring-Summer Edition”]

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Movement ISergei Rachmaninov

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s signature concerto, Piano Concerto No.

2 in C minor, Op.

18, is frequently heard in many contexts, such as figure skating programs and as background music in TV shows and films.

Although it is known as an extremely difficult work, its popularity has led to many published arrangements, so by choosing a score that suits you, even beginner and intermediate pianists can try it with ease.

In the first movement, the opening section can be performed as written in the original! Enjoy playing it as if you were performing with an orchestra.

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Waltz Op. 83-1Auguste Durand

Waltz No. 1: Composed by Durand / Valse Op. 83-1: Durand

Waltz Op. 83-1Auguste Durand

The opening arpeggios make a huge impact! Auguste Durand’s Waltz Op.

83-1 is a dazzling piece that truly shines in recitals.

Its melody blends elegance, lightness, and vigor, and the pleasant rhythm lifts the spirits of both performer and audience.

The key is to highlight the buoyant three-beat waltz rhythm while keeping the right hand’s notes crisp and clearly articulated.

To avoid muddiness, use the pedal sparingly and effectively with frequent, subtle changes as you play.

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Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62, No. 6, Spring SongFelix Mendelssohn

Spring Song: Mendelssohn — Songs Without Words “Frühlingslied,” Op. 62 No. 6 Mai Morimoto

Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62, No. 6, Spring SongFelix Mendelssohn

“Spring Song,” included in Book 5 of Felix Mendelssohn’s signature piano collection Songs Without Words, is among the most famous and popular of the 48 pieces, and is frequently featured in recitals and concerts.

Its elegant, gentle melody is very easy to remember, but the left-hand leaps are unexpectedly challenging—many players feel that “listening to it and playing it give completely different impressions!” Precisely because it’s so rewarding to tackle, it’s a great choice for those aiming to step up from intermediate to advanced level.

Give it a try!

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In conclusion

How was it? This time, I introduced some cool, intermediate-level pieces you’ll want to play on the piano—perfect for recitals.

We covered a variety of distinctive works featuring elements like beautiful melodies, fast tempos, and powerful touch.

Of course, it’s important to choose pieces that match your level, but picking songs you’re familiar with or have long admired can make practicing even more enjoyable.

I hope this helps you select a recital piece or inspires you to take on a slightly more challenging goal.