[March] A selection of famous march masterpieces played on the piano!
“March” refers to a march composition.
In the world of music—not just classical—there are countless masterpieces with the word “March” in their titles.
So, what kinds of marches are fun to play on the piano?
In this article, we’ve picked out march pieces from the classical repertoire that were written for piano, as well as orchestral marches arranged for solo piano.
We’ll introduce them along with performance videos and anecdotes about the pieces.
It might overturn the image of “march = full of energy”! Enjoy!
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[March] Pick up masterpieces of marches played on the piano! (1–10)
Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a composer who stood at the turning point from the Classical era to a new age of music.
The “Turkish March,” a section from The Ruins of Athens composed between 1811 and 1812, was influenced by the Ottoman military band, the Mehter, and is known as a representative example of a work that incorporates Turkish elements into Western music.
In addition to the orchestral version, the Turkish March has been arranged for solo piano and has long been beloved in arrangements by Anton Rubinstein and Franz Liszt.
Characterized by its bright and lively character, it’s a staple often performed at piano recitals.
If you keep a steady rhythm in the left hand while playing the bold, march-like melody in the right, it’s a piece that brings a smile to both listeners and performers alike.
Lyric Pieces, Book V, Op. 54 No. 3 “March of the Dwarfs”Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg, Norway’s national composer, nurtured a passion for music from a young age and left behind lyrical, refined works rooted in his homeland’s folk music.
Lyric Pieces, Book V, Op.
54, published in 1891, is a collection of five piano pieces.
Among them, March of the Dwarfs is a playful miniature inspired by the troll, a fairy from Norwegian folklore, and is notable for its captivating, technically varied melodies.
Its structure alternates between a contrasting main section and a middle section, evoking the poignant yet beautiful world of the North.
Turkish March JazzFazil Say
Fazıl Say is a Turkish-born pianist and composer who spans a wide range of genres from classical music to jazz.
In Japan, he is known for the catchphrase “A prodigy! A genius! Fazıl Say!” His piece Turkish March Jazz is a jazz-style arrangement of the third movement, “Rondo alla Turca,” from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famed Piano Sonata No.
11.
Just when you think the familiar melody has begun, it gradually transforms into Fazıl Say’s jazz-inflected world.
Skillfully blending Western classical music with Turkish local color and musical elements, the work is an ambitious and technically demanding piece.
Advanced players interested in a Turkish March with a distinctive twist should definitely give it a try!
Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 2: “Soldiers’ March”Robert Schumann
It’s a bright and cheerful piece that vividly conjures up the image of soldiers marching in step right before your eyes! The second piece from “Album for the Young,” Soldier’s March, is built on a series of chords and dotted rhythms.
By practicing slowly and carefully, while consciously staying relaxed, you’ll gain control over chords that tend to become tense and uneven.
To internalize the springy rhythm, it’s also recommended to incorporate rhythm clapping into your practice.
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, Movement III “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
You might not immediately recognize it when you hear “Piano Sonata No.
11 in A major, K.
331, third movement,” but if I say Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Turkish March,” many of you can probably recall the melody.
Composed in Vienna in 1783, this piece is a classic mainstay of recitals, and its Turkish-style rhythms and melodies captivate listeners.
The way the familiar tune evolves toward the latter half is sprinkled with little surprises.
In particular, the technically demanding final section is perfect for showcasing the results of your practice at a recital.
Give it a try!