[Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works

Waltz EtudeWilliam Gillock

[Gillock] Piano “Waltz Etude” Sheet Music

A captivating classical piece with a beautiful triple meter, it enchants the audience from the opening with a lively and dazzling waltz rhythm.

Beginning in G major, the middle section modulates to E-flat major, where the tempo relaxes and settles, lending the entire work a profound expressiveness.

Demanding both delicate touch and powerful expression, this piece—released in 1972—fully showcases the piano’s expressive range.

Its blend of graceful melody and brilliance makes it an ideal choice for recital performance.

With inventive technical features throughout, it is a superb work that rewards practice by deepening musicality.

Offering the chance to experience the waltz’s rhythmic character and the color changes brought by modulation, it is perfectly suited for upper elementary school recital programs.

Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3Franz Schubert

Schubert – Impromptu in G flat major, Op. 90 No. 3 – pianomaedful

Franz Schubert’s Impromptu Op.

90 No.

3 is distinguished by its graceful melody.

Its gentle flow allows for expressive phrasing and rich emotion, making it a guaranteed showpiece on any recital stage.

If you can accurately control the ever-moving left-hand accompaniment at a comfortable tempo while staying mindful of phrase connections and dynamics, your performance will be taken to the next level.

This piece is packed with the elements that junior high school students need as they aim to step up their playing—so why not take this opportunity to give it a try?

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Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” 3rd movementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” 3rd Movement – CANACANA

A piece with a powerful, passionate character and an imposing aura that is truly captivating.

From its striking opening, the gripping melody recurs throughout, alternating between tension and release to naturally draw listeners into its musical world.

Highly acclaimed since its publication in 1799 and still performed worldwide today, the work stands out for its dynamic expressiveness and rich shifts in tone color.

It has frequently appeared in TV shows and films, and its influence is such that Billy Joel even quoted its melody in “This Night.” Designed to showcase the piano’s full appeal, it’s an ideal choice for ambitious performers looking to refine rapid passages and expressive nuance.

Fantasia in F-sharp minor, Op. 28 “Scottish Sonata”Felix Mendelssohn

Ito Ota / Mendelssohn: Fantasy in F-sharp minor “Scottish Sonata,” Op. 28

Felix Mendelssohn, a great composer who has gained popularity for his fantastical musical style.

Among his works, a recommended piece for intermediate players is the Fantasy in F-sharp minor, Op.

28 “Scottish Sonata.” It has the brilliant musical character typical of Mendelssohn, and in the third movement you can savor an intensely romantic melody.

The key point is the rapid sextuplets at the beginning of the third movement.

Practicing this section—where both hands must sound together—is essential, but because there are many repeats, it’s easy to practice and can be considered a perfect piece even for busy middle school students.

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Ryo

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Fantasy Pieces: Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 2 “The Bell”Sergei Rakhmaninov

Rachmaninoff: Prelude “The Bells,” Op. 3 No. 2 / Shunji Kotaki (piano)

Sergei Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer who was extremely active in the 1890s.

Among his works, Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.

3 No.

2 “The Bells” from Morceaux de fantaisie is especially famous.

Rachmaninoff was also active as a pianist, and because his hands were very large, this piece is written so that you essentially cannot play it unless you can comfortably span a tenth.

Expressing the sound of bells on the piano is also difficult, and in any case there are many octaves, requiring stamina! That said, it’s undoubtedly a showpiece, so for junior high school students with relatively large hands, it’s a piece well worth the challenge.

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Ryo

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Invention No. 8, BWV 779J.S.Bach

Bach / Invention No. 8 in F major (J. S. Bach: Two-Part Invention No. 8 in F Major, BWV 779)

This piece in F major, set in 3/4 time, begins with ascending broken chords brimming with the lively energy of a fanfare and exudes a bright, spirited atmosphere.

The distinctive rhythm created by the interplay of upper and lower voices, chasing each other with a one-measure delay, is pleasing and makes the listener’s heart dance.

Although composed for educational purposes, the work’s musical appeal captivates audiences.

The left-hand passages using the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers are somewhat challenging, but with practice, it’s a wonderful piece that allows you to feel tangible improvement in two-hand technique.

With its bright, festive character and a well-balanced technical challenge, it’s an ideal choice for a recital.

Maiden’s PrayerTekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska

Maiden’s Prayer – Badarzewska [La prière d’une vierge] Piano / CANACANA

Tekla Bądarzewska’s “A Maiden’s Prayer” is distinguished by its delicate, resplendent melody.

Its sweet, beautiful tune conjures a scene of someone single‑heartedly wishing for something with a pure heart, captivating many listeners.

Since its publication in Warsaw in 1856, it has continued to be cherished around the world.

You may well recognize it from its appearance in the anime Classicaloid or its use as a station melody on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

The decorative passages—interweaving octaves and septuplets—evoke the elegance of salon music.

It’s a perfect piece for elementary and middle school students who want to stretch themselves a little and take on a sophisticated, aspirational work.