Poignant and beautiful! A collection of recommended piano pieces

Noble and Sentimental Waltzes: Waltz No. 2, Assez lent (fairly slow), G minorMaurice Ravel

Valses nobles et sentimentales No.2 – Ravel/Nathan Gnewikow

A work with an introspective atmosphere that feels like peering into the depths of the heart, it is included in Maurice Ravel’s suite Valses nobles et sentimentales.

There’s an anecdote that it was performed at a private concert in 1911 with the composer’s identity kept secret.

Within the gently flowing time, noble yet sentimental melodies emerge, as if quietly staying close to the listener’s heart.

The traditional waltz rhythm hides some unexpectedly piquant sonorities that seem to express unspoken, complex emotions.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to learn about subtle changes in tone color and long-breathed phrasing.

The key is to play as if breathing, imbuing each note with intention so as not to break the work’s mysterious atmosphere.

Eyes On Me (Piano Collections Final Fantasy VIII)Uematsu Nobuo

Eyes On Me (Piano Collections Final Fantasy VIII)

This piece, a piano arrangement of representative works by Nobuo Uematsu—best known as a composer for RPGs such as the main themes of Final Fantasy and Granblue Fantasy—is a masterpiece that highlights both poignancy and beauty.

Originally created as the theme song for the game Final Fantasy VIII, it won Song of the Year in the Western Music category at the 1999 Japan Gold Disc Awards.

The lyrics depict a heartfelt connection between a singer on stage and a special audience, expressing a wish to share their feelings with one another.

The piano arrangement brings out these delicate emotions even more deeply.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor a moving melody and rich emotional expression.

Skycity Bhujerba – Final Fantasy XII Piano CollectionsSakimoto Hitoshi

The Sky City of Bhujerba

We’d like to introduce a masterpiece by Hitoshi Sakimoto—composer and sound creator from Tokyo.

Featured on the soundtrack of Final Fantasy XII, this piece brilliantly captures the atmosphere of a sky city.

Its warm soundworld, woven from gentle clarinet and flute melodies and a lively, grounded bass, is especially appealing.

A piano arrangement was released in November 2012, revealing new facets of the work.

It’s a must-listen not only for RPG fans but also for anyone seeking heartwarming music.

Please enjoy this gem in which Sakimoto’s delicate sensibility shines, uniting poignancy and beauty.

reverieClaude Debussy

Debussy / Reverie (Dreams) / Performed by: Ichiro Kaneko

Claude Debussy, the French composer whose unconventional works had a profound impact on modern music, exemplifies a free approach to harmony unconstrained by functional tonality.

Although he wrote many pieces with beautiful melodies, one I especially recommend is Reverie.

Composed out of necessity during a period of financial hardship, the piece is nonetheless distinguished by its graceful, untroubled melodic lines.

In his later years, Debussy judged the work rather harshly, yet it continues to be beloved by many listeners.

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Kingdom Hearts Piano Collections – Dearly BelovedShimamura Yōko

Kingdom Hearts Piano Collections – Dearly Beloved

Yoko Shimomura has made brilliant achievements in the world of video game music.

She began playing piano at age four, and in high school also studied conducting and flute.

Her talent blossomed in the Disney and Square Enix collaboration series, Kingdom Hearts.

This piece is an instrumental work emblematic of the series.

Though it has no lyrics, its gentle, sentimental melody resonates deeply with players.

Heard on the game’s title screen, the music evokes anticipation and nostalgia, capturing the essence of the series.

There is also a solo piano version that further highlights its serene, beautiful atmosphere.

It’s a recommended track not only for game music fans but for anyone seeking a moving melody.

Aerith’s Theme – Final Fantasy VII Piano CollectionsUematsu Nobuo

Aerith's Theme

When it comes to composers for the popular RPG series Final Fantasy, Nobuo Uematsu immediately comes to mind.

Here we introduce one of his masterpieces.

Featured on the soundtrack of a hit RPG released in 1997, this piece captivated many with its fragile yet beautiful melody.

In the piano arrangement, the grace and pathos of the original stand out even more, drawing listeners into a dreamlike world.

Used during key moments in the story, the track is marked by an emotional melody that seems to symbolize the protagonist’s purity and destiny.

It’s a must-listen not only for game music fans but also for anyone who wants to be moved by a heartrending tune.

Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven

Für Elise / Beethoven / Für Elise (For Elise) / Beethoven / Piano / Tried playing / CANACANA

This work, known as one of the masterpieces of classical music maestro Ludwig van Beethoven, is a piano piece composed around 1810.

It is characterized by a simple, memorable melody and is widely loved around the world.

The piece is structured in a five-part rondo form, with each section evoking a different atmosphere.

Although the identity of the dedicatee “Elise” remains shrouded in mystery, it is said to embody Beethoven’s feelings of love and friendship, conveying a sense of wistful longing.

This renowned piece is cherished by a wide range of players, from beginners to advanced pianists.

It is recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone seeking comfort and peace of mind.