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.
- Chopin’s masterpieces. Popular 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.
- Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular 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.
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
Popular classical piano pieces. Masterful performances by Japanese pianists (1–10)
Maiden’s PrayerUshida Tomohisa
Bądarzewska’s composition “A Maiden’s Prayer” is a masterpiece that many with some years of piano experience want to tackle early on.
The prelude that begins in the high register is memorable.
Tomohisa Ushida, who is called a prodigy pianist, released his debut album as a classical pianist at the age of 12.
Turkish MarchYokouchi Ayumi
Turkish March.
For children practicing the piano, isn’t it a piece they all dream of playing at least once? It’s a work by Mozart, a famous composer who excelled at both violin and piano.
Its speed and crisp, sharp melody are very appealing.
It’s fun to play and to listen to, and it’s a quintessential Mozart piece that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly.
I recommend it to all—please give it a listen.
Traumereiaki no piano ensō
‘Träumerei,’ the seventh piece from Schumann’s Kinderszenen, a collection of 13 pieces, is the most famous of his works.
As a soothing, healing piece, it might be number one.
Schumann expressed the world of children through the piano, but the intended listeners are adults.
Perhaps that’s why it feels so comforting.
Farewell SongFujiko Hemming
When you hear “Farewell” (Etude Op.
10, No.
3), you probably think of Chopin’s famous piece, familiar to many.
It begins gently, then at times quickens and grows intense, as if the piano’s notes are dancing across the keys.
You can almost hear the sorrow and struggle of parting.
Then it returns to a tender melody and draws to a close.
It’s like looking at life itself.
For a piece known as a “farewell,” it’s actually quite bright, and I recommend it even to first-time listeners.
Please give it a listen.
La CampanellaTsujii Nobuyuki
La Campanella was composed by Franz Liszt.
It’s a very famous piano masterpiece.
It’s a wonderful work that sounds like light, tinkling bells coming from afar.
The piece is extremely difficult to play and is quite a formidable challenge.
Liszt had large hands—he could reach from middle C up to the G an octave above.
Crafted to make full use of those large hands, the beautiful La Campanella is definitely worth a listen.
Grand Waltz Brillante in E-flat major, Op. 18Miyazaki Miho
When you hear “Grande valse brillante in E-flat major, Op.
18,” you think of one of Chopin’s signature pieces.
Beginning with a dazzling prelude, it’s a masterpiece brimming with speed, lightness, and brilliance all the way to the end.
It truly deserves to be called ‘brilliant.’ Once you’ve heard it, you won’t forget it.
It makes your heart flutter, as if it might dance away.
While it’s highly challenging to play, it’s an absolute delight to listen to.
Please give it a listen.
Rachmaninoff / Piano Concerto No. 2, First MovementTanaka Kiyoko
Piano Concerto No.
2, First Movement.
Composed by Rachmaninoff, it was also featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may be familiar with it.
Rachmaninoff’s uniquely sweet and beautiful melodies are wonderful.
The harmony with the orchestra is superb, and the way the sounds are woven together makes this piece especially captivating.
It’s a masterpiece that brilliantly expresses both gentleness and intensity.
Please give it a listen.