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

Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9-2Frederic Chopin

Fuzjko Hemming – Nocturne No. 2 / Chopin

Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne No.

2 in E-flat major, Op.

9 No.

2, is one of his most popular nocturnes and is widely loved as soothing music.

Its flowing, lyrical melody at a relaxed tempo is easy to grasp even for those who have just started playing the piano, making it a approachable piece to work on.

However, mastering the left-hand leaps requires careful practice.

First practice hands separately to firmly internalize the distances of the shifts, then put the hands together slowly, dividing the piece into sections.

To play it beautifully, it’s important to practice steadily and patiently without rushing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Holberg Suite No. 1: PreludeEdvard Grieg

Grieg: From the Holberg Suite — No. 1 “Prelude,” Op. 40-1 / Riko Tanaka (46th Prizewinners’ Memorial Concert, Category B [Gold Prize])

Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite, composed in 1884, evokes the Baroque era.

Among its movements, the first, “Prelude,” brims with a lofty atmosphere reminiscent of Johann Sebastian Bach’s works.

It is by no means an easy piece, but with careful practice—incorporating finger fundamentals and sectional work—you will be able to fully convey its energetic sound world.

The sparkling, almost visualizable melody seems likely to shine even more brightly when played by a girl! Why not prepare for your recital by practicing with the image of performing confidently before an audience?

Arabesque No. 1Claude Debussy

Arabesque No. 1 / Debussy / Classic / Piano / CANACANA

This piece was composed by the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy and is often featured in commercials in Japan.

It’s an exceptionally elegant work that matches the piano’s timbre perfectly, and it’s also known as a piece many piano learners aspire to play.

The title “Arabesque” refers to Islamic art.

If you picture the beautiful geometric patterns found in mosques, it may help you grasp the character of the music.

Like those geometric designs, a key practice point is the sections where the left and right hands play in different meters.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

ToccataAram Khachaturian

Mariam Kharatyan: Toccata by Khachaturian in Grieg Competition 2016

Composed in 1932 while Aram Khachaturian was still a student at the Moscow Conservatory, the Toccata is a vibrant work that, while influenced by the Baroque, incorporates the rhythms of Armenian folk music and techniques of modern music.

Although its performance time is only about five minutes, it is structured to showcase pianistic technique to the fullest, making it an excellent choice for piano students who want a piece with strong audience appeal for a recital.

Powerful yet delicate, this dynamic work inspires a spirit of challenge and is sure to further ignite one’s enthusiasm for the piano.

Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Etupirka ♫ Taro Hakase / Etupirka, Taro Hakase

Etupirika, composed by Taro Hakase, one of Japan’s leading violinists, is well known as the ending theme of the documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku.” While it pairs beautifully with the clear, soaring tone of the violin, it can also be performed movingly on the piano without losing the piece’s unique atmosphere.

To convey the openness of the original, it’s important to incorporate a wide range of dynamics and expression.

Choose a score arrangement that matches your skill level from the many available, and aim for a grand, expansive performance by imagining vast natural landscapes as you play.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Tarantella, Op. 77 No. 6Moritz Moszkowski

Moritz Moszkowski – Tarentelle op.77 n.6

Let me introduce a gem of a piece that captures the vibrant spirit of Italian dance on the piano.

Composed by Moritz Moszkowski, this work is distinguished by its rhythmic flow in 6/8 time and its graceful melodies.

Bathed in a cheerful, radiant atmosphere, it was published in 1899 and has remained beloved by many pianists for its captivating tune and richly expressive performance qualities.

The alternating scales and arpeggios between the right and left hands are technically demanding yet possess a beauty that enthralls listeners.

It’s an excellent choice for those looking to refine their piano technique or deliver a memorable performance at a recital, offering a compelling opportunity to develop light, agile fingerwork and expressive depth.

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 – II. Andante (Second Movement)Sergei Rachmaninov

Piano Concerto No. 2, Second Movement / Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.

2 in C minor, Op.

18 is the work that brought him widespread recognition as a concerto composer.

In contrast to the vigorous first movement, the second movement is striking for its serene, prayer-like, and sublime atmosphere, and even the piano part alone offers an enchanting beauty.

Although Rachmaninoff did not leave a solo piano version, various arrangements have been published.

Choose one that suits your level, and enjoy playing the smoothly flowing melodies and the characteristically Rachmaninoffian harmonic shifts.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem