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[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!

[March] Pick-Up of Masterpieces of Marches Played on Piano! (11–20)

Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, III. “Funeral March”Frederic Chopin

Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor “Funeral March,” Op. 35, CT 202, III. Movement
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35, III. “Funeral March”Frederic Chopin

Piano Sonata No.

2 in B-flat minor, Op.

35, composed by Frédéric Chopin.

Among its movements, the third is especially famous, affectionately known as the “Funeral March.” Its grave melody and rhythm leave a profound impression on listeners, making it a masterpiece among masterpieces.

The march was composed in 1837, and the entire work was completed in 1839.

At the time, Chopin was staying at George Sand’s manor, where he appears to have carried out the final touches.

The work consists of four movements, from Grave to Presto, and in each movement the composer’s musical genius is fully displayed.

It is also said that at Chopin’s funeral, this movement was performed in a string ensemble arrangement.

March, BWV Anh. 122Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Grade B C.Ph.E. Bach: March, BWV Anh. 122 (2021 PTNA Competition Required Piece) pf. Natsumi Kuboyama
March, BWV Anh. 122Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, born as the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach, played a crucial role as a bridge to the Classical era.

“March, BWV Anh.

122” is a piece included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, compiled for Bach’s wife.

Although it was originally attributed to J.S.

Bach, it is now considered a work by C.P.E.

Bach.

Despite its simple structure, the piece conveys the bright and lively character typical of a march.

From his works, one can sense the breath of a new era while inheriting the traditions of Baroque music.

It is a recommended piece for those who are beginning to feel comfortable with piano playing!

March of the DwarfsMartha Mier

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] March of the Gnomes ♫ Martha Mier
March of the DwarfsMartha Mier

Martha Mier is an American composer who is also active as an independent piano teacher.

“March of the Goblins” is part of Mier’s “Piano for One, Piano for Two” series and is characterized by its approachable style, written for beginning pianists.

This piece depicts the movements of mischievous little goblins through music, allowing performers to practice a variety of techniques while enjoying a storytelling approach to performance.

It is recommended for recitals and competitions, and with careful practice and guidance from a teacher, the performance can be polished into an even more compelling interpretation.

marchJeremiah Clarke

[Grade A1 Baroque] Clarke: March (2024 PTNA Competition Required Piece) pf. Mako Hamada
marchJeremiah Clarke

Jeremiah Clarke was an English composer and organist of the Baroque era, born around 1674 in London.

He is best known for the Trumpet Voluntary, also known as the Prince of Denmark’s March, composed around 1699.

This March is popular among beginner pianists and is frequently selected as a required piece in competitions.

Why not enjoy the elegant, noble marching character so typical of Baroque works?

18 Etudes Op. 103 No. 17 “March”Johann Burgmüller

Johann Burgmüller was a pianist and composer active during the German Romantic era.

No.

17, “March,” from his album 18 Etudes, Op.

109, imitates the rhythm and character of a march; through a strong sense of rhythm and dynamic accents, it evokes the image of marching soldiers in the listener’s mind.

While intended for technical training, the piece also serves as material that allows performers to pursue musical expression.

It is an ideal piece for piano learners to cultivate a sense of rhythm while aiming for performances that combine accuracy with expressiveness.

Burgmüller’s etudes are often featured in recitals and can be recommended to piano enthusiasts of a wide range of ages.