Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
Unless you’ve learned an instrument or had family who listened to it a lot, you might not have many chances to hear classical music.
For those of you who listen to rock and pop but not so much classical, we’ve put together a selection of must-hear piano masterpieces.
Classical piano includes many works that laid the foundations of modern music and are frequently quoted across different genres, so you might find yourself thinking, “Huh? I’ve heard this before.”
From among the many great performances, this time we’ve gathered recordings by Japanese artists!
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Popular classical piano pieces: A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists (11–20)
Liebestraum (Dream of Love)Fujinami Yuka
Liszt’s Liebesträume.
Flowing arpeggios and a gently singing melody.
Once you hear it, you’ll be drawn into a dream.
The same motif continues as the key changes add brilliance.
The swiftly flowing melody in the middle section is truly wonderful.
It gives a strange sensation, as if you’re being brought back from a dream to reality.
It’s a perfect piece for the night.
Please give it a listen.
MoonlightTani Masato
Clair de Lune, composed by Debussy.
It’s a popular piece for piano recitals and performances.
A tranquil moment on a dark night, with the moonlight quietly shining and a gentle time flowing by.
Its calm, tender melody brings comfort to listeners.
Even when you play it on the piano, it feels like meditation—an utterly soothing piece, Clair de Lune.
If you’re practicing piano, do give it a try; it’s truly healing.
And of course, it’s highly recommended just to listen to as well.
Polonaise in A-flat major “Heroic”Yokoyama Yukio
When it comes to pianists who represent the Romantic era, surely everyone knows one name: Chopin.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Chopin at least once in a music class.
One of his most dazzling signature works is the Polonaise in A-flat major, “Heroic.” It’s frequently performed at piano recitals.
Its brilliance—at times sweet and gentle, with a radiance that feels like light descending from the heavens—is part of its charm.
It’s also a great piece for those listening to Chopin for the first time.
Hungarian Dance No. 1piano dyuo duuoru
Composed by Brahms, “Hungarian Dance No.
1.” While it’s widely known in its orchestral version, it was originally written for piano four hands.
Its charm lies in a different atmosphere from the orchestra, with the unique intensity of a piano duo coming through directly.
It’s a very cool piece.
It’s a wonderful classic I can recommend even to those who aren’t fond of classical music or are beginners.
Please give it a listen.
passionChino Yoshihiro
The third movement of the “Appassionata.” Fierce and endlessly passionate, this piece is by Beethoven.
It’s a work in which you can almost hear the suffering and sorrow of Beethoven as he lost his hearing.
True to its title, “Appassionata,” it captivates with a fiery and magnificent melody.
It’s highly difficult to play, but advanced players should definitely give it a try.
Of course, it’s also a wonderful piece to listen to.
Please give it a listen—you’ll feel empowered by its intensity.
Ballade No. 3Matsushita Nao
Chopin’s Ballade No.
3 is a piece I think many people have heard somewhere.
The performance is by Nao Matsushita, who is active in many fields as an actress and pianist.
She’s often featured on television.
Some people question her technical ability, but I don’t think such assessments are accurate.
Above all, she conveys Chopin’s world, and her chords are rendered precisely.
Für EliseMatsuoka Toyohisa
It’s one of Beethoven’s famous piano pieces, familiar even to those who don’t know much about classical music.
Many students can play it after about 4–5 years of piano study (though it varies by individual), so it’s performed overwhelmingly often at recitals.
The name “Elise” was originally “Therese,” but due to extremely poor handwriting it was misread as “Elise.” The fact that history has been shaped by bad penmanship makes one think we really should write so that others can read our writing.
Moonlight, Movement ISUGAYAN
“Moonlight Sonata, First Movement.” This piece is a masterpiece composed by Beethoven.
The first movement is very slow and profound.
It can be seen as a contrast to Debussy’s Clair de lune.
The first movement of the Moonlight Sonata seems to be imbued with sorrow beneath the moonlight.
It’s a recommended piece even when your mind feels unsettled.
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: 1. PreludeHaraguchi Masumi
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: No.
1 Prelude was composed by Bach.
Because it is in well-tempered tuning, a similar melody flows steadily throughout.
That is part of its charm, and the work has a lovely, Bach-like, church-music atmosphere.
It’s also a piece that beginners on the piano often play.
Its gentle, endearing melody is easy for children to become familiar with as well.
It’s very calming to listen to.
I recommend it to everyone—please give it a listen.
PatheticNagatomi Aya
Piano Sonata No.
8 in C minor, Op.
13 “Pathétique,” is a masterpiece from Beethoven’s early period and a work that elevated his fame not only as a pianist but also as a composer.
It consists of three movements, and the second movement is a piece you’ve likely heard somewhere as background music.
The first movement is heavy and conveys a sense of darkness; the third movement, though fast in tempo, still evokes deep sorrow.
The second movement, meanwhile, suggests a quiet farewell.