Poignant and beautiful! A collection of recommended piano pieces

At ZanarkandUematsu Nobuo

At Zanarkand

As exemplified by the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held in 2021, game music boasts many world-class masterpieces.

One of its strengths is that it transcends genres—from orchestral to rock—but what I’m highlighting here is a purely piano piece of exceptional beauty.

“To Zanarkand,” which plays as the opening theme of Final Fantasy X, the tenth entry in the series that stands alongside Dragon Quest as Japan’s most famous RPGs, is not a rousing, adventurous tune.

Instead, its poignant, beautiful melody aligns perfectly with the game’s themes, earning it high acclaim as a true classic.

It’s a piece that has become famous beyond the realm of game music, and the orchestral version—imbued with even greater sadness and pathos—is also a must-listen.

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KOH-1

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Howl’s Moving Castle ‘Merry-Go-Round of Life’Hisaishi Joe

"Merry-Go-Round of Life" Howl's Moving Castle [with sheet music] – Ghibli – Ear-copied Piano Cover – Piano Cover – CANACANA

The waltz-style piece that serves as the main theme of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle captivates with the orchestra’s rich harmonies and a dreamlike atmosphere.

Its elegant 3/4-time melody splendidly captures the world of the film, which was released in November 2004.

Beginning with a piano introduction, the work weaves beautiful lines from the oboe and strings, resulting in a refined character that reflects the influence of European classical music.

In 2021, singer Kumiko covered the piece and released it as a single.

It’s a highly recommended piece for boys who want to perform at a recital, combining both brilliance and strength that will enthrall the audience.

On the journey: “Final Fantasy VII Piano Collections”Uematsu Nobuo

On the journey

A piece from the game Final Fantasy VII that conjures up the image of a tranquil town encountered along a grand adventure.

Supervised by composer Nobuo Uematsu, it’s included on the classic album Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY VII, released in May 2004.

The serene atmosphere of the original is accentuated in its solo piano arrangement, whose delicate, faintly nostalgic tones sink deep into the heart.

It’s perfect as background music when you want to focus on work or study—the gentle, lyrical melody will calm your mind without disrupting your thoughts.

Why not spend some fulfilling time wrapped in the fleeting peace the story’s characters must have felt?

Fantasia Pieces: Prelude “The Bells,” Op. 3 No. 2 in C-sharp minorSergei Rakhmaninov

Rachmaninoff – Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2)

Sergei Rachmaninoff, a composer known for his unusually large hands, is famous for writing many technically demanding pieces, as well as for his heavy, somber musical style.

Among his works, a particular recommendation is Prelude “The Bells” in C-sharp minor from Morceaux de fantaisie, Op.

3 No.

2.

The standout feature of this piece is the middle section marked “Agitato,” characterized by a tragic melody that feels as if you’re plunging into an abyss.

It’s a quintessential example of a dark piano work—be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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Three Romances, Op. 11 No. 1Clara Schumann

Clara Schumann: Three Romances, Op. 11 No. 1 [36_Dark and Sad Classical Piano Piece with Sheet Music and Commentary]

A piano piece that conceals profound lyricism within restrained expression.

Opening a set of three romantic miniatures, this work was written in 1839, when the composer was nineteen, imbued with feelings for her fiancé, Robert Schumann.

The theme, sung over extended arpeggios, seems to delicately reflect a love and longing kept within.

The piece also appears in the film “Geliebte Clara,” serving as a crucial key to portraying Clara Schumann’s inner world.

It is an ideal piece for a quiet, contemplative night, when you want to listen to the singing tone of the piano and take time to face your own heart.

Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62 No. 5, No. 3: “Venetian Boat Song”Felix Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn: Venetian Boat Song No. 3 [04_Dark and Sad Sheet Music with Commentary – Classical Piano Piece]

This is a piece from Felix Mendelssohn’s celebrated collection of piano miniatures, the masterpiece “Lieder ohne Worte” Op.

62.

The 6/8 accompaniment in the left hand deftly depicts a gondola gliding along the canals of Venice, while the right hand sings a melody like a plaintive song echoing over the water.

Its appeal lies in the way it conveys a poised dignity and elegance within sorrow, rather than being merely dark.

Published in 1844, this set is dedicated to Clara Schumann.

It is recommended for those times when you don’t want to force yourself to feel cheerful, but instead wish to surrender to this beautiful melody and savor the sensation of quietly sinking into the depths of your heart.

Dumka in C minor, Op. 59Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky / Dumka – Scenes from a Russian Village / Performed by Hironao Suzuki

This is a piano work by Pyotr Tchaikovsky that conjures up the vast Russian countryside.

Composed in February 1886, it adopts a form whose title in Ukrainian means “a novel in thoughts.” It opens quietly with a deeply plaintive melody, but in the middle section it suddenly turns passionate, like a folk dance, with emotions bursting forth.

In the end, however, it returns to silence and closes with a sound even more resigned than at the opening.

Interweaving sorrow with festive joy, this piece is one to hear when you want to linger in a sentimental mood while also savoring a dramatic unfolding.