[Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students

Mazurka No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 7 No. 1Frederic Chopin

Krzysztof Książek – Mazurka in B flat major Op. 7 No. 1 (second stage)

Frédéric Chopin’s Mazurka No.

5 in B-flat major, Op.

7-1, composed between 1830 and 1832, is a work that combines charm and brilliance.

With its memorable melody and bright, approachable character, it is known as one of the most popular among Chopin’s mazurkas.

Technically, it is at a level that upper elementary school students can readily tackle, making it an excellent choice for a recital piece.

For the bell-like trills within the melody, take care not to make them heavy by focusing only on speed; instead, shape your fingertips well and play them delicately.

Boys’ Merry-Go-RoundNiels Wilhelm Gade

Gade: Boys' Merry-Go-Round

This is a children’s piano piece with a bright, lively rhythm.

Its simple yet beautiful melody is striking, vividly portraying children dancing in a circle.

Included on the album “Children’s Christmas,” the piece is full of playful fun and conveys a spirited, boyish energy.

It balances educational consideration with artistry, evoking scenes of traditional European children’s games.

Also featured as a piano set piece in the ABRSM exams, it is loved worldwide as a performance piece that shines on stage.

Highly recommended for those who want a dazzling recital piece.

Final Fantasy VII Piano Collections “One-Winged Angel”Uematsu Nobuo

One-Winged Angel

A piano arrangement of the masterful final battle theme—friendly and approachable yet imbued with grandeur—returns with overwhelming quality.

Also used in the Sephiroth battle of the film FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, created with game CG techniques, this piece fuses classical and rock in an innovative style, successfully rendering the majestic sound of choir and orchestra on a single piano.

Without losing the atmosphere of the original released in 1997, it becomes an excellent arrangement that adds the piano’s unique delicacy and power.

While by no means easy to play, it’s a piece that lets you fully showcase dynamic expressiveness and dazzling technique.

It’s perfect not only for boys who want to perform something cool at a recital, but also for skilled players looking to create a spotlight moment that makes the most of their technique.

Seven Cheerful Variations on a Ukrainian Folk SongDmitri Kabalevsky

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Seven Good-Humoured Variations on a Ukrainian Folksong ♪ Kabalevsky / Seven Good-Humoured Variations on a Ukrainian Folksong

Dmitry Kabalevsky, known for his wide-ranging piano pieces for children, composed Seven Cheerful Variations on a Ukrainian Folk Song—a charming work that showcases the appeal of Ukrainian folk music.

Each variation carries its own distinct character, helping not only to develop technique but also to broaden expressive range.

The lively sixth variation and the passionate coda are especially effective in performance.

Among Kabalevsky’s works, this piece is less frequently programmed at recitals, making it an excellent choice for a child who wants to play something impactful that isn’t a standard and won’t overlap with others.

Waltz ÉtudeWilliam Gillock

Waltz Etude / Gillock / PTNA Assigned Piece 2021 / Valse Etude / Gillock

William Gillock’s Waltz Etude is a hugely popular piece with a bright, charming character that captivates children.

Its appeal lies in its refined melody and the way it allows performers to express themselves richly.

We mustn’t forget the left-hand accompaniment that supports this charm, either.

For children who aren’t yet familiar with the waltz rhythm, it offers excellent practice for mastering pieces in 3/4 time.

Despite its approachable character, the performance demands solid technique, so be sure to maintain your fundamental practice and polish it carefully.

Babayaga Op. 39-20Pyotr Tchaikovsky

La sorcière Op.39-20 P.I. Tchaikovsky Baba Yaga (The Witch) Tchaikovsky

This is a masterpiece created by a Russian composer devoted to nurturing children’s hearts through music.

The work vividly portrays, in sound, the tale of a mysterious witch who lives in a hut standing on chicken legs and travels in a flying mortar—captivating children’s imaginations.

With a melodic line that includes rapid ascending and descending scales and wide leaps, along with unstable harmonic sonorities, it skillfully conveys the witch’s eeriness and enigmatic movements.

Composed in 1878, its brisk tempo and richly descriptive power brim with immediacy, letting listeners savor the story’s excitement.

Brimming with expressive nuance and drama, this piece is perfect for a child’s piano recital or as an encore.

A recommended classic for anyone who wishes to foster imagination through music.

Something good might happen!Yuyama Akira

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] Something Good May Happen! ♫ Akira Yuyama / Something good may happen!, Akira Yuyama

This bright and upbeat piano piece exudes a unique charm, blending elements of jazz and pop with a foundation in classical music.

Included in “The Teacher’s Choice: Piano Recital Masterpieces 4,” published by Yamaha Music Media, it is distinguished by its lively rhythm and accessible melodic lines.

Reflecting the signature style of Mr.

Yuyama, who won the Grand Prize at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival in 1970, the piece is thoughtfully crafted to nurture children’s imagination.

With a playing level around that of the Sonatina Album, it’s an ideal choice for a recital performance.

If you bring out its energetic spirit, you’re sure to deliver a captivating stage experience for the audience.