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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Poignant and beautiful! A curated list of recommended piano pieces (51–60)
music boxCharles-Henry
This heartwarming piece expresses the delicate timbre of a music box on the piano.
Its graceful melody, as if opening a jewelry box, brings a gentle sense of calm to the listener’s heart.
Featured on the album “Histoires Presque Vraies,” the work beautifully captures tones that are mechanical yet brimming with humanity, inviting you into the world of music boxes filled with nostalgic memories.
Its tender sound and simple structure are recommended for those who wish to step away from the bustle of daily life and soothe their hearts, or who want to spend a peaceful moment.
It’s also an approachable piece for those looking to try their hand at piano performance.
MoonGeorge Winston
George Winston is a pianist and composer well known in the genre often called New Age.
Among his works, “Longing/Love,” which has been widely used in Japan as music for commercials and TV program soundtracks, is particularly famous.
“Moon,” a track from George’s hit album AUTUMN that also includes “Longing/Love,” is notable for its wistful, heartrending melody that evokes a somewhat Japanese atmosphere—especially in the latter half, which features phrases said to be inspired by the koto.
There is also an anecdote that it combines three pieces into one, and the way it unfolds over 7 minutes and 40 seconds leaves a strong impression.
Even so, the overall melody has a thoroughly soothing, healing effect, making it perfect for relaxation time.
dreamClaude Debussy
Composed in 1890 by the French composer Claude Debussy, the allure of this piece lies in its gentle, dreamlike sonorities.
Structured in an A–B–A ternary form, it features a singing melody that flows over beautiful arpeggiated accompaniment.
In the middle section, chorale-like harmonies appear, offering a dramatic character before returning to tranquility.
The work’s tonality is ambiguous, and its soft, fade-out ending leaves a dreamy afterglow.
It is recommended for those seeking peace of mind on a hot summer day or for anyone who wants to enjoy the rich colors of Impressionist music.
With a performance time of about four minutes, it’s an ideal piece for a relaxing moment.
Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 9 No. 2Frederic Chopin
There’s a gem of a piano piece by Frédéric Chopin that will make you forget the summer heat.
Composed between 1830 and 1832, it’s included in the renowned collection Nocturnes, Op.
9, and is praised for its exquisitely sweet and wistful melody.
The singing right-hand line sparkles like stars in the night sky, gently supported by the left-hand accompaniment.
Listening to it feels purifying to the soul.
It has been memorably used in the film 127 Hours (2010) and the anime Girls’ Last Tour (2017), so many of you may already know it.
This work is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to feel a cool, tranquil mood through the beautiful tones of the piano on a quiet night.
Heartachingly beautiful! Recommended piano pieces (61–70)
Etude-Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 2 in A minor “The Sea and the Seagull”Sergei Rachmaninov
Let me introduce a piano piece that sinks deeply into the heart—perfect for summer.
It’s one of the Études-Tableaux Sergei Rachmaninoff composed between 1916 and 1917.
There is also an orchestral version, and it’s well known for the evocative subtitle “The Sea and the Seagulls,” given by Respighi.
Its desolate melody seems to paint gray skies and sea, along with the figure of a solitary seagull.
In the middle section, the music suddenly turns passionate, sure to stir the listener’s emotions.
It’s an ideal piece not only for a sense of coolness, but for those who want to feel a deep story and vivid imagery.
On a summer’s day, why not take your time savoring this dramatic tone painting?
New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone
This is a renowned piece that originated from an Italian film released in 1988.
Deeply intertwined with the film’s story, the song is used effectively in emotional scenes such as the protagonist’s first love, parting, and reunion.
Characterized by its beautiful melody and profound lyrics, it resonates with many listeners.
Scored primarily for strings and piano, its relaxed tempo is striking, and it shines as a piece to practice on the piano.
Transcending the realm of film music, it has been covered by various artists and is recommended for fans of classical and easy listening alike.
It’s a piece I especially encourage those who want to experience the moving fusion of film and music to play.
To a Wild Rose, Op. 51-1 (Forest Sketches)Edward MacDowell
This is a work by a composer who represents American Romantic music.
It is characterized by a simple, beautiful melody that evokes the image of a single wild rose blooming in a spring meadow.
Although the piece is only about a minute and a half long, it is imbued with deep emotion that quietly moves the listener.
Composed in 1896, it is said to have been inspired by the natural scenery of New Hampshire.
It has been arranged for various instruments such as flute and oboe, and is often performed at weddings and in relaxed settings.
It’s a recommended piece for those interested in classical music who may feel it seems difficult.
Why not listen to it in a calm, leisurely mood?