Among the many musical instruments, the piano is one of the most familiar, and it’s a quintessential instrument that makes you admire anyone who can play it.
Melancholic melodies can draw you into their world before you know it.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular piano pieces themed around “sadness.” In addition to classic standards, we’ve gathered a rich variety of poignantly beautiful, piano-centered works featured in soundtracks for films, anime, and video games.
If you love wistful piano music, this is a must-check!
Bittersweet and Beautiful! A Curated List of Recommended Piano Pieces (1–10)
Memories of distant daysTenmon
Memories are days far away
Tenmon, who composed the music for Makoto Shinkai’s film “5 Centimeters per Second,” is a composer known for his delicate and moving pieces.
His work on this film beautifully captures the poignant emotions of longing for someone precious far away.
The gentle, sentimental piano-centered melodies vividly portray the theme of changes brought by time and distance, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in 2007, the film—and its music—have been cherished by many, shaping the musical identity of Shinkai’s works and influencing later projects.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those reflecting on lost time and evolving relationships.
Famous as an enfant terrible of the music world, he often performed in bars and created easy listening—music designed to be enjoyed casually without interrupting patrons’ conversations.
His piece Gymnopédie No.
1 is a distinctive work that blends a sense of poignancy with a surreal atmosphere.
This kind of composition, unconstrained by convention, later had a profound influence on great composers such as Debussy and Ravel.
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementRūtovihi Van Bētōven
Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” Second Movement – Beethoven – Pathétique Piano Sonata No. 8, Op. 13-2 – CANACANA
Assuming you’re not particularly interested in classical music, Beethoven is probably one of the most widely known classical composers even among such listeners.
Ludwig van Beethoven, the “master of music,” left behind many works that everyone has heard at least once.
Among his piano sonatas, “Pathétique,” which is introduced here, is often mentioned alongside “Moonlight” and “Appassionata.” It is said to have been composed between 1798 and 1799, and it received high acclaim upon its debut, becoming a breakthrough piece that helped cement Beethoven’s status as a composer.
Within “Pathétique,” the especially famous Second Movement is frequently used as background music, often in rearranged form, in television shows and commercials.
In the hugely popular series Nodame Cantabile, which features classical music as a motif, this was also the piece the protagonist Nodame played in her first appearance.
Compared with the other movements, the sadness suggested by the title is somewhat subdued; you can fully savor its calm yet poignantly moving sonorities.
The development in the middle section, which dramatically shifts the mood from the main theme, is truly beautiful as well.
