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

Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 4: MelodySergei Rachmaninov

Salon Pieces, Op. 10: No. 4, Melody

Comprising seven pieces that emphasize cohesion and elegance over flamboyance, the Salon Pieces, Op.

10 features a particularly memorable No.

4, “Melody,” with its air of wistful melancholy.

Although the tempo is relaxed, the piece includes a more animated middle section, allowing you to enjoy clear expressive contrasts within a calm overall character.

Aim to play the poignant melody—woven over the left hand’s arpeggios—smoothly and with ample cantabile, thereby highlighting the contrast with the more active middle passage.

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yuri

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Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDimitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, Movement I (age 9)

This three-movement work, radiating a bright and lively atmosphere, is a delightful piece brimming with the joy of music.

The first movement opens with an impactful introduction of three resounding strong chords, followed by graceful melodies and a dynamic, rhythmic drive that leave a vivid impression.

Written in sonata form, it contrasts a spirited first theme with a lyrical, singing second theme.

In the development section, where the music changes rapidly, passages to be played jokingly alternate with those to be rendered cantabile, drawing out rich expressive possibilities.

By honoring the distinct character of each section and performing with a keen sense of harmonic resonance and rhythmic vitality, you can truly captivate the audience—making this a rewarding piece to play.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy music while honing their technique.

Children’s Piano Piece: Etude AllegroNakata Yoshinao

Etude Allegro “Recommended Pieces for Piano Recitals” Yoshinao Nakata – Etude Allegro – CANACANA

This elegant and refreshing étude in C major is a captivating piece woven from continuous sixteenth notes and richly varied phrases.

Its brisk tempo and the brilliant shimmer of glissandi are sure to enchant audiences at recitals.

The work was released as the final piece in the acclaimed 1956 album Children’s Piano Pieces, which comprises 17 works.

By cherishing clarity of articulation while incorporating tempo changes and dynamic contrasts, performers can achieve a balance of technical proficiency and musical expression.

It is an ideal choice for those seeking to develop finger independence or looking for a dazzling recital piece.

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

“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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Humoresques, Op. 101 No. 7Antonin Dvořák

Humoreske – Antonin Dvorák, piano: Guilherme Amaral

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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Ryo

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