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!
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music.
- Classical piano masterpieces: legendary performances from around the world you should hear at least once
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Impressionist Music] A Selection of Classical Works That Evoke the Japanese Spirit
- [Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces
- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music.
- Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Taro Hakase’s famous and popular songs
Popular classical piano pieces: A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists (11–20)
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.
Popular Classical Piano Pieces: Masterful Performances by Japanese Pianists (21–30)
Arabesque No. 1Morimoto Mai
It’s one of Debussy’s most frequently performed pieces.
It employs many broken chords and expresses “Arabesque” through a combination of right- and left-hand polyrhythms.
Mai Morimoto is a pianist known for valuing communication with her audience.
You can really feel the performer’s emotion in the sheer beauty of the sound and its vivid ornamentation.