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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- Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
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- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
Popular classical piano pieces: A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists (11–20)
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.
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.
Popular Classical Piano Pieces: Masterful Performances by Japanese Pianists (21–30)
Csikos PostObara Rinko, Hirayanagi Mino
It’s a classic piece by Hermann Necke that’s often played at sports days.
There are solo piano performances, but it becomes even more powerful as a duet.
Although it’s mostly used as background music by wind bands and brass at sports events, it’s originally a piano piece.
Despite being so famous in Japan, it seems it wasn’t very well known overseas.