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

FlamencoWilliam Gillock

[Recommended for piano recitals] Flamenco ♫ Gillock / Flamenco, Gillock

This is a short piece that expresses Spain’s passionate, rhythmic traditional music on the piano.

From the very beginning, it features a powerful rhythm and fervent melody that vividly evoke Spanish scenery.

In the middle section, there is a direction to play “singing,” and the melody line, as if speaking directly to the listener, leaves a strong impression.

To bring out this section effectively, one classroom reportedly works with students to create lyrics, enhancing their expressive performance.

This piece serves as excellent material for developing a sense of rhythm and expressive skills.

It is recommended for those interested in Spain’s passionate musical style and for anyone looking to refine their expressiveness.

Waltz, No. 1 from the Suite “Masquerade”Aram Khachaturian

Masquerade “Waltz” (Khachaturian) Pianist Yuki Kondo / Khachaturian: “Masquerade” Waltz, Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

The first piece, “Waltz,” from the suite Masquerade is a famous work by Aram Khachaturian that has often been used in films and on television.

It also drew attention when figure skater Mao Asada used it for one of her programs.

Although the piece is a waltz in triple meter, its distinctive rhythm and melodic beauty are captivating, and the folk elements woven throughout create a uniquely Khachaturian world—another key point to note.

With its bright, sumptuous character and a structure that makes it easy for performers to showcase rich expressiveness, it is an ideal work for recitals.

Prints, No. 3: ‘Gardens in the Rain’Claude Debussy

Debussy: Estampes “Jardins sous la pluie”

Intermediate pianists can expect further growth by broadening the scope of their challenges.

The third piece from Estampes, “Jardins sous la pluie” (Gardens in the Rain), is one ideal choice.

Claude Debussy’s delicate touch and distinctive harmonies demand a wide range of expressive nuance from the performer.

Today, there are many captivating piano pieces not only in the classical canon but also in film and pop music; however, tackling a work like Estampes No.

3, “Jardins sous la pluie,” greatly expands your expressive palette.

It’s also a recommended piece for those who want to stand out at a recital.

Brimming with charm, it’s a work every intermediate pianist who loves classical music should try.

From the Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride Official Score Book — “Engaging in Battle”sugiyama kouichi

Clashing in the Fires of War - Violent Enemies | Dragon Quest V Battle Theme | Piano | Official Score Book | Dragon Quest | Dragon Quest Piano

Are you looking for game music with a moderate level of difficulty? This is a battle theme from the game Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, known for its grand orchestration and powerful melodies.

Its tense rhythms and majestic tone stand out, delivering an intensity that evokes the battlefield.

It not only enhances gameplay but is also highly regarded as a standalone musical work.

Used in the RPG released in 1992, it played an important role in giving players a sense of tension and exhilaration.

Recommended for those who want to try performing a piano arrangement, as well as for fans of game music.

It is also frequently performed at orchestral concerts, moving many in the audience.

Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, Movement III “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“Turkish March” Mozart – Replayed on a Steinway 《Turkish March – Mozart》 Classical Piano – CANACANA

Mozart’s “Turkish March” is arguably one of those pieces every piano student wants to play at least once.

Because it’s so familiar, people tend to assume it’s easy, but in fact it requires advanced technique to even out the tone and play those repeated octaves beautifully.

To breeze through the stream of difficult passages while keeping a steady tempo, it’s important to isolate sections and practice them carefully.

And since it’s a piece everyone knows, there’s little room to hide mistakes—another factor that adds to its difficulty.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Take FivePaul Desmond

Take Five - Piano (Print Sheet Music, Intermediate to Advanced)

A jazz masterpiece composed by Paul Desmond that almost everyone has heard at least once—even if they’re not hardcore jazz fans! The recording by the Dave Brubeck Quartet is especially famous.

This piece is played in 5/4 time, which was unusual for music of its era.

For those not used to it, reading and performing music in 5/4 can be quite challenging.

Rather than simply counting beats, it’s important to internalize the rhythm in your body and get used to it.

Try tapping both hands on a desk to firmly grasp the rhythm, and practice at your own pace without rushing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

EtudeAram Khachaturian

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Etude ♪ Khachaturian / Etude, Khachaturian

It’s a captivating piece that incorporates elements of Armenian folk music while adopting Western musical forms.

The lively rhythm and distinctive harmonic progressions are striking, and its bright character is marked by extensive use of staccato.

Included in the 1955 publication “Children’s Album, Book 1: Picture Book of Boyhood,” it’s a short work of about one minute and thirty seconds, ideal for developing pianistic expression.

Because it requires crisp, even execution of continuous staccato, it also serves perfectly as a piano study piece.

It’s popular as a recital repertoire as well, so it’s a piece that piano students should definitely try!