Poignant and beautiful! A collection of recommended piano pieces

24 Preludes, Op. 28 No. 15 “Raindrop”Frederic Chopin

Prelude Op. 28, No. 15 “Raindrop” by Chopin

Famous under the title “Raindrop,” this piano piece is the 15th work in Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op.

28, which he completed on the island of Majorca in 1839.

Chopin had gone to Majorca, Spain, to recuperate, and since it happened to be a period of persistent rain, it’s said that this environment influenced the completion of “Raindrop.” Within its restrained notes, the sound of rain is rendered with exquisite sensitivity and touch, endlessly beautiful; simply listening seems to convey the perspective from which Chopin viewed the “rain.” Like a shower that brings a touch of coolness to sweltering summer days, if you attune your ears to the beautiful tones of “Raindrop,” you might forget the heat—if only for that moment.

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Fantasy Pieces: Elegy (Lament), Op. 3-1 in E-flat minorSergei Rakhmaninov

[Classical Masterpiece] Rachmaninoff: Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3 – No. 1, Elegy “Lament”

Sergei Rachmaninoff, the great composer who produced numerous masterpieces.

This time, I’d like to introduce one of them: Elegie (Élégie) in E-flat minor, Op.

3 No.

1 from Morceaux de fantaisie.

As the title “Elegie” suggests, the piece is characterized by a weighty melody imbued with a sense of tragic pathos.

Many listeners may recognize it from figure skater Patrick Chan’s program, in which he used this piece.

Why not let yourself be intoxicated by a melody that reveals beauty within its gravity?

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YELLikimonogakari

[Street Piano] Tried playing “YELL” by Ikimonogakari by Yomii

Although it’s a pop number that begins with a piano intro, it leaves a lingering, heartrending impression that makes you want to listen again and again.

It gently portrays the feelings of boys and girls who, while searching for who they are and sometimes feeling anxious or uncertain, still try to face forward and move ahead.

Released in September 2009, it became widely familiar as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high school division.

This work carries a message that finds not only the sorrow of parting in the word “sayonara,” but also the courage and hope to take a new step forward.

Wrapped in fresh sensitivity and words of warm encouragement, the song will quietly give a push to everyone striving toward their dreams and goals.

Final Fantasy X “To Zanarkand” (Piano Collections ver.)Uematsu Nobuo

At Zanarkand

The bittersweet melody, marked by its beautiful theme, is pleasing to the ear yet leaves a deep afterglow.

Symbolizing the fictional city that serves as the story’s setting, this piece delicately conveys the protagonist’s feelings for their hometown and the struggles of characters swept along by fate.

Included on the album “Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY X,” released in July 2004, it uses the expressive power of the piano to further enhance its narrative quality.

Transcending the bounds of video game music, it has become a popular piece performed in many contexts, continuing to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal.

Even those just beginning the piano can express profound emotion with this piece by carefully practicing its beautiful melodic line.

Fantasy Pieces, No. 1: ElegySerugei Rafumaninofu

Rachmaninov: Morceaux de fantaisie No. 1 [Elegie] (Aya Nagatomi) | Rachmaninov: Elegie, Op. 3 No. 1 (Aya Nagatomi)

Among the five solo piano pieces that make up Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Fantaisie Pieces, the second piece, Prelude, is the most famous.

Here, however, I would like to introduce the first piece, Élégie.

True to its title, “lament,” it is marked by a deeply sorrowful character.

The poignantly meditative atmosphere—remarkable for having been composed while he was still in his teens—can only be described as the work of an unmistakable genius.

While the Fantaisie Pieces as a whole possess a decidedly fantastical, imaginative aura, this Élégie seems to emphasize that impression most strongly.

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Elegy in C minor, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré

Élégie / Gabriel Fauré: Piano (Solo) / Intermediate

This is a masterpiece of French modern music, distinguished by its sweet, delicate sonority and richly expressive melody.

It opens with a quietly profound, wistful introduction, builds to a passionate climax in the middle section, and returns to stillness at the end, a three-part form that leaves a deep impression on the listener.

Within its unhurried tempo, the subtle harmonies and beautiful melodic lines convey the elegance and warmth characteristic of French music.

This work, which showcases a superb balance between solo cello and orchestra, was featured at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, accompanying performances by figure skating gold medalists.

It is a perfect piece for those studying cello or piano who wish to experience the allure of Romantic-era music.

Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique” Second Movement – Beethoven — Beethoven – Pathétique Piano Sonata No. 8 Op. 13-2 – Classical Piano – CANACANA

Characterized by a gentle, song-like melody, this piece unfolds at a relaxed tempo in A-flat major and 2/4 time.

Structured in ternary form, it draws out a lyrical charm through the recurring, simple yet emotionally rich main theme.

Beyond its evocative use in the film “Immortal Beloved,” its melody is also quoted in Billy Joel’s “This Night,” reflecting a crossover with pop music.

While expressive and richly nuanced, the work is not overly demanding technically, making it suitable even for upper elementary school recital programs.

Its calm atmosphere belies its musical depth, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to study music earnestly.