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

Tarantella, Op. 77 No. 6Moritz Moszkowski

[Recommended for piano recitals] Tarantella, Op. 77-6 ♫ Moszkowski / Tarantella, Moszkowski

A dazzling, energizing piano piece that wakes you right up—this is one of Moritz Moszkowski’s most popular miniatures.

Inspired by dance music from southern Italy, it exquisitely blends a lively 6/8 rhythm with flowing melodies.

Scales and arpeggios alternate between the right and left hands, sprinkled with brilliant ornamentation that evokes a scene from a joy-filled ball.

Effective use of crescendos and decrescendos adds dramatic flair.

It’s sure to captivate audiences at recitals or concerts.

Experience this exhilarating piece that makes your fingers want to dance.

Études “30 Pieces for Children, Op. 27” No. 3Dmitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Etude

This compact piece, woven from a simple yet beguiling melody and dynamic rhythms, is one of the gems from “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” composed between 1937 and 1938 for young players.

The energetic right-hand melody and the powerful left-hand chords create a sonority that evokes a thrilling, dance-like spirit.

While containing elements of virtuosity, it is a piano miniature rich in expressive color.

Its conservative yet innovative chord progressions captivate listeners within a brief performance time.

Ideal for recitals and competitions, its accessible melody infused with elements of Russian folk music will resonate deeply with audiences.

Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDimitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, Movement I (age 9)

This three-movement work, radiating a bright and lively atmosphere, is a delightful piece brimming with the joy of music.

The first movement opens with an impactful introduction of three resounding strong chords, followed by graceful melodies and a dynamic, rhythmic drive that leave a vivid impression.

Written in sonata form, it contrasts a spirited first theme with a lyrical, singing second theme.

In the development section, where the music changes rapidly, passages to be played jokingly alternate with those to be rendered cantabile, drawing out rich expressive possibilities.

By honoring the distinct character of each section and performing with a keen sense of harmonic resonance and rhythmic vitality, you can truly captivate the audience—making this a rewarding piece to play.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy music while honing their technique.

Masquerade Ball ‘Waltz’Aram Khachaturian

Masquerade “Waltz” (Khachaturian) Pianist Yuki Kondo / Khachaturian: “Masquerade” Waltz, Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

The waltz in 3/4 time, both glamorous and tinged with melancholy, was used in the ballroom scene of the film War and Peace, beautifully enhancing the setting.

It opens with a powerful introduction, and in the middle section weaves in lyrical melodies that vividly conjure the image of an elegantly dancing couple.

This piece was also used in Mao Asada’s performance at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where she won the silver medal, captivating the audience.

Combining strength and delicacy, it is a fitting selection for an upper-elementary school recital.

Precisely because students’ technical skills are advancing at this stage, they can take on the challenge of a richly expressive performance.

Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 7: DreamingRobert Schumann

Fuzjko Hemming 'Träumerei (Kinderszenen, Op. 15 – No. 7) / Schumann'

Robert Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood is among his most famous piano works.

In particular, No.

7, Träumerei—whose title means “dreaming” and perfectly matches its dreamy, gentle mood—is one of the most popular pieces in the piano repertoire.

Its calmly flowing melody and gradually changing, beautiful harmonies not only shine in recitals but also soothe the performer’s heart.

Though never flashy, it is a piece that gently warms the listener, making it well-suited to those who enjoy playing at a relaxed pace while fully savoring the beauty of each tone.

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Children’s Corner No. 1: “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum”Claude Debussy

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Hikari Matsushita Debussy: Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

A representative work of French Impressionism is included in the piano suite Children’s Corner.

Dedicated to Claude Debussy’s beloved daughter, this piece is a short work of about two minutes that premiered in Paris in December 1908.

While satirically imitating the style of classical études, its lively, playful character is highly appealing.

It brims with refined harmonic sensibility and humor, avoiding the monotony often associated with mechanical études.

Often recommended for early-morning performance, it combines a fresh atmosphere with expressive musicality and is very popular as concert repertoire.

It is a piece I would especially recommend to performers seeking a short work that can captivate an audience in a brief span.

Sonatina in F major, First MovementAnton Diabelli

Sonatina in F major, Op. 168 No. 1, 1st movement / A. Diabelli

Its graceful yet approachable melody and the bright, open resonance unique to F major are deeply appealing.

Perfect as an introduction to classical music, this piece offers a wonderful way to learn the fundamentals of the Classical style.

The warm tone colors and flowing, elegant lines leave a strong impression, while the gentle sonority created by the Alberti-bass accompaniment is soothing and healing to the listener.

Published in Vienna in 1839, the work is infused with a heartwarming character free of stiffness, all while maintaining a solid musical structure within its gentle atmosphere.

It is recommended for those who wish to perform at a piano recital or simply savor the beauty of classical music.