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. Masterful performances by Japanese pianists (1–10)
revolutionNakamura Hiroko
Revolution begins with a sudden, intense prelude.
You may be familiar with Chopin’s signature piece, the Revolutionary Etude.
It’s a short work, but its speed and sense of drive leave a strong impression—truly a “Revolution.” All of Chopin’s etudes are fast, but this one ranks among the quickest.
It’s also a recommended listen when you’re feeling down.
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.
NocturneKuniyataka-no-Mikoto
Chopin wrote a total of 21 nocturnes over the course of his life, but when people think of Chopin’s nocturnes, the Nocturne No.
2 in E-flat major, Op.
9-2, is the first that comes to mind.
Its beautiful melody never grows tiresome no matter how many times you listen, though criticism seems divided; some harsh opinions claim it is nothing more than a sweet tune embellished and repeated.
Popular classical piano pieces: A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists (11–20)
Fantaisie-ImpromptuHaneda Kentarō
Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu—surely everyone has heard it at least once.
It’s fast yet light, with notes that seem to dance, a truly fantastical piece—just what you’d expect from the Fantaisie-Impromptu.
For pianists, it’s a challenging work that many aspire to.
The feeling when you can finally play it is beyond words—deeply moving.
Many Japanese pianists have performed it, and comparing different interpretations is great fun.
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.
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.