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

Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, Op. 65: No. 6, Wedding Day at TroldhaugenEdvard Grieg

[With Commentary] From Grieg’s Lyric Pieces: “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” / Wedding day at Troldhaugen Op. 65 No. 6 / Edvard Grieg

Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, included in the eighth book of Lyric Pieces—a collection of piano works that Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg wrote over more than 30 years.

Troldhaugen is the name of the place where Grieg and his wife Nina lived, and this piece is dedicated to Nina.

The various themes in the piece differ completely in both tempo and character, making it ideal for developing expressive skills.

If you imagine specific scenes in your own way as you play, you’ll be able to perform with greater emotional richness.

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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.

ToccatinaDimitri Kabalevsky

[Recommended for piano recitals] Toccatina ♫ Kabalevsky / Toccatina Op. 27 No. 12, Kabalevsky

This is a piece you can enjoy for its light, rhythmic performance.

Written in A minor, it features a captivating melody in the left hand, while the right hand provides a nimble accompaniment.

The device in which the top notes of the right-hand triads are arranged to chase the left-hand melody is also superb.

As the music unfolds like a small storm, the balance between tension and release is exquisitely expressed.

Included in the 1938 album “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” this work has long been cherished as a teaching material in music education.

It is perfect for those who have only recently begun studying the piano, as it cultivates both technique and expressiveness.

It is also ideal for recital performances, sure to leave a strong impression on the audience.

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.

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Fantasiestücke, Op. 12: No. 2 “Flying”Robert Schumann

42nd Prizewinner Commemorative Concert, Grade B [Gold Prize] Eiji Iwamuro / Schumann: “Fantasiestücke, Op. 12” – “Flight”

Robert Schumann’s “Fantasiestücke, Op.

12” No.

2, “Aufschwung” (Fliegende Gedanken), composed in 1837, is a guaranteed showpiece: the effortlessly racing melodies set against a flowing, lyrical middle section awaken passion through striking contrast.

From the dramatic opening in F minor to the expressive transitions into D-flat major and B-flat major, it offers a superb opportunity to broaden one’s expressive range.

It’s an ideal recital piece for children with piano experience who are ready to explore and release new emotions on stage.

Eight Pieces, Op. 84 No. 5: ImpromptuGabriel Fauré

Gabriel Fauré: Improvisation, Op. 84 No. 5 | Classical Piano Music (Carlo Balzaretti)

Gabriel Fauré, a gifted composer born of France.

One piece from his Eight Pieces, Op.

84, is a fascinating work that offers a glimpse into the evolution of his piano music.

This piece is notable for Fauré’s characteristic romantic atmosphere and its delicate, expressively lyrical melodies.

Its skillful use of arpeggios makes it an ideal opportunity for intermediate to advanced pianists to showcase their abilities.

The fact that it was composed in 1901 for the Paris Conservatoire’s graduation exam further enhances its appeal.

Highly recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in Fauré’s musical world or make a memorable impression at a recital.

Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1Johannes Brahms

Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1 in B minor — Piano: Eri Mantani

Johannes Brahms’s masterpiece, Rhapsody No.

1 from Two Rhapsodies, Op.

79.

It’s a piece you often hear at piano recitals featuring middle and high school students.

Overall, the difficulty is at an advanced level, but the hand positions are surprisingly stable, so it may feel relatively easy to play.

That’s not incorrect; however, as the piece develops, you’ll encounter markings like both crescendo and diminuendo on a single note, which means that not only fundamental piano technique but also the ability to interpret the score is put to the test.

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