Poignant and beautiful! A collection of recommended piano pieces

Sorrow of LoveKreisler=Rachmaninov

Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow) (Kreisler, arranged by Rachmaninoff) – pianomaedaful

Sergei Rachmaninoff, the greatest Russian composer of the 20th century, arranged Fritz Kreisler’s piece of the same title, Liebesleid (Love’s Sorrow)—originally by the Austrian composer-violinist who was Rachmaninoff’s contemporary—into a solo piano version.

In Japan, it drew attention when it was featured as an insert piece in the 2016 live-action film adaptation of the manga Your Lie in April.

While the piece is imbued with sorrow, it also exudes a certain brilliance that suggests hope and longing, creating a captivating, enigmatic atmosphere that makes it an exceptionally attractive work.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

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

Nobuyuki Tsujii Piano Sonata No. 8 (Pathétique) Second Movement

Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.

8 “Pathétique” is a defining work from his early piano compositions.

Among its movements, the second is often said to be one of the most beautiful melodies Beethoven ever wrote, and it has been used frequently in films and television dramas.

While the melody is simple and the range not particularly wide, the accompanying parts are sonically rich, so the melody can easily get buried unless you listen carefully and balance the voices during performance.

Aim to play gently, being mindful of the gracefully flowing, soothing melody that warmly envelops the listener, as well as the weighty chords that support it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven “Moonlight Sonata” (1 mvt.) by Claudio Arrau

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.

14 in C-sharp minor, Op.

27, No.

2, widely known as the “Moonlight Sonata.” In particular, the first movement, which proceeds slowly as if expressing deep sorrow, is a masterpiece that is almost always cited as a “beautiful piano work.” The nickname “Moonlight Sonata” was taken from a remark made by a music critic after Beethoven’s death.

We cannot be certain what the composer himself had in mind, but isn’t there no word more fitting for this piece than “moonlight”?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

6 Pieces, Op. 51: No. 6, Valse SentimentalePyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky – Valse Sentimentale

The sixth piece from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s set of six piano pieces, “Six Pieces, Op.

51,” by the composer well known for the three great ballet scores including Swan Lake.

In addition to its achingly beautiful melody that perfectly suits the title “Valse Sentimentale,” it also contains bright, light phrases that feel like a joyful waltz, making it a recommended study piece for developing expressiveness.

Since the left hand involves leaps, be sure to practice thoroughly during hands-separate practice so you can firmly grasp the chords.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

TraumereiRobert Schumann

Traumerei/Kinderszenen No. 7, Op. 15/Schumann/Classic Piano/CANACANA

Woven in F major with a gentle 4/4 pulse, this beautiful, dreamlike melody softly envelops the listener’s heart.

Born from the album Kinderszenen, the piece was published in Leipzig in February 1839 and is a memorable work used in both the opening and ending of the film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” (Tenkōsei).

Its calm, transparent tone seeps into the soul, as if awakening the pure emotions of childhood and the nostalgia felt in adulthood.

Over eight repetitions of a four-bar melody, shifts in harmony and an expanding register brilliantly portray the changing scenes of a dream.

Though it occasionally shows a pensive expression, it concludes with a warm afterglow.

With a leisurely performance duration yet profound emotional impact, this highly artistic work is recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves quietly in music.

Kinderszenen, Op. 15, No. 7: “Träumerei”Robert Schumann

Fuzjko Hemming 'Träumerei (Kinderszenen, Op. 15 – No. 7) / Schumann'

Robert Schumann’s “Träumerei” is a dreamlike, exquisitely lyrical piece that makes you swoon.

It is the seventh piece in Scenes from Childhood, Op.

15, a collection written for adults that evokes the spirit of childhood.

The most famous number in the set, it is performed not only on piano but also on violin, cello, flute, and many other instruments, captivating listeners well beyond classical music fans.

You can savor it by listening closely, or play it on the piano and immerse yourself in the beauty of its melody and harmony.

Settle in and enjoy it at leisure on a quiet autumn night.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rachmaninov

Daniil Trifonov – Rachmaninov: Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (Extended Version, Arr. Trifonov)

With its weighty, shaded melodies, the style of Sergei Rachmaninoff—the great composer of Celosia, who conveys both delicacy and grandeur—resounds deeply in the listener’s heart.

The piece introduced here, Vocalise, is one of Rachmaninoff’s most famous songs with piano accompaniment, a beloved masterpiece that has been arranged not only for solo piano but for many different instruments.

Listening to its exquisitely beautiful, melancholic main theme feels as though you’re catching a glimpse of a page from someone’s life.

Precisely because it has no lyrics, it challenges the performer’s imagination and expressive power.

I recommend hearing not only the original Vocalise for voice and piano, but also the many arrangements mentioned above!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem