Poignant and beautiful! A collection of recommended piano pieces
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!
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- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- [For when you want to cry or feel sad] Tear-jerking masterpieces that make you cry when you listen
- [Intermediate Level] Cool Piano Pieces You Can Play [Great for Recitals Too]
Heartachingly beautiful! Recommended piano pieces (71–80)
Gnossienne No. 1Erik Satie
Even when we say “dark music,” there are many kinds.
Some are tragic, while others evoke a sense of beauty.
This time, I’d like to recommend something surreal and dark: Gymnopédie No.
1.
It was composed by Erik Satie, an iconoclast of the music world known for his surreal style.
Its calmly mechanical melody, as if you’ve wandered into a labyrinth, is outstanding.
Rather than a song to wallow in sadness, it’s perfect for times when you want to sink into thought.
Consolation (Comfort) No. 3Franz Liszt
One piece from Consolations, a piano collection composed by the piano magician Franz Liszt.
Unlike many of Liszt’s other works that require his signature “transcendental virtuosity,” this set contains more serene pieces and is known for being relatively approachable within his oeuvre.
No.
3 is especially famous and is a popular choice for recitals.
Aim for evenness in the left-hand accompaniment, sing out the elegant melody, and perform with deep expression.
Waltz No. 12 in F minorFrederic Chopin
Waltz No.
12 in F minor, Op.
70 No.
2, was published after Frédéric Chopin’s death by his friend Julian Fontana.
It is said that this piece was not composed for publication, but rather written for a woman he knew.
With phrases that evoke poignancy as well as ones filled with happiness, it invites a range of emotional interpretations and is a work that lends itself to expressive performance.
Instead of merely playing the notes on the score, why not take on the challenge as an exercise in cultivating expressiveness and imagination?
Waltz No. 7, Op. 64-2Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin, the great Polish composer renowned for his beautiful melodies.
When it comes to Chopin’s works, many people might think of bright pieces like the “Minute Waltz.” However, he actually produced many darker works as well, and that side of his style is also highly acclaimed.
Among them, one I especially recommend is the “Waltz No.
7 in C-sharp minor, Op.
64 No.
2.” It’s a refined piece that conveys a sense of darkness within the quintessentially Chopinesque beautiful sonority.
Farewell SongFrederic Chopin
One of the most beautiful works in the world, Frédéric Chopin’s “Farewell” (Etude Op.
10 No.
3).
I believe everyone has heard this piece at least once.
The highlight of this work is its exquisitely poignant melody that evokes nostalgia for one’s homeland.
As is often the case with Chopin’s music, it demands a high level of expressiveness, and the repeated chords call for advanced technique.
Developing expressive power while maintaining such technique is extremely important for improving your piano playing.
It isn’t an especially difficult piece, so intermediate and above players should definitely give it a try.
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller
This is a religious piece conceived with the image of a choir’s voices resounding through a cathedral church.
It possesses a solemn, devout atmosphere, and its rich harmonies leave a striking impression.
Published in Paris in 1851, the work is characterized by a beautiful melody imbued with the spirit of prayer.
By skillfully interweaving four-part harmony with three-part passages, it evokes a sonorous texture reminiscent of a cathedral’s reverberation.
The harmonic shifts are richly colored, illuminating the piece like the light through stained glass.
It is recommended for those who seek healing through music or who are interested in sacred music.
It also serves as an excellent study material for those wishing to learn pedal technique.
Combining an elegant ambience with profound spirituality, this work is sure to resonate in the hearts of listeners.
Intermezzo, Op. 118 No. 2Johannes Brahms
A piece whose gentle, graceful melody seeps into the heart.
Like waves that ebb and flow, its unhurried lines carry deep emotion and quiet reflection.
Written in 1893, it is characterized by a singing right-hand melody supported by soft left-hand chords.
In the middle section, it unfolds with passion, yet returns to the calm theme, evoking the rises and falls of life.
Expressing the stillness of an autumn dusk and feelings held within, this work is ideal for those who wish to experience the piano’s profound allure or refine delicate expressive skills.
Rather than technical bravura, it calls for attention to color and emotional nuance—an invitation to take it on with care and sensitivity.