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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Bittersweet and Beautiful! A Curated List of Recommended Piano Pieces (1–10)
Memories of distant daysTenmon
Tenmon, who composed the music for Makoto Shinkai’s film “5 Centimeters per Second,” is a composer known for his delicate and moving pieces.
His work on this film beautifully captures the poignant emotions of longing for someone precious far away.
The gentle, sentimental piano-centered melodies vividly portray the theme of changes brought by time and distance, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in 2007, the film—and its music—have been cherished by many, shaping the musical identity of Shinkai’s works and influencing later projects.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those reflecting on lost time and evolving relationships.
Name of LifeHisaishi Joe
The works of Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s most renowned composers, deliver profound emotion that transcends the realm of film music.
This piece, woven from piano and strings, expresses a journey in search of the sanctity of life and one’s own identity.
Composed for a film by Hayao Miyazaki, it resonates with the story of reclaiming a lost name and invites listeners into a mysterious world.
Since scoring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in 1984, Hisaishi has continued to create works that move countless hearts.
This track is highly recommended for those captivated by wistful melodies and for anyone who wishes to feel the depth of film music.
River Flows in YouYIRUMA
This is a gem of a piece by the South Korean pianist Yiruma.
He began playing the piano at age five and went to study in the UK at eleven.
In 2001, he released his debut album Love Scene, and in the same year, he also released the album First Love.
This work is a track included on First Love.
It features a beautifully delicate melodic line and a gently flowing piano tone.
Said to symbolize the maturation of love, it exudes a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere.
Warmth and poignancy coexist in this piece, sinking deeply into the listener’s heart.
Highly recommended for those seeking a beautiful, heart-touching melody.
Gymnopédie No. 1Erikku Sati
Erik Satie, the great French composer.
Famous as an enfant terrible of the music world, he often performed in bars and created easy listening—music designed to be enjoyed casually without interrupting patrons’ conversations.
His piece Gymnopédie No.
1 is a distinctive work that blends a sense of poignancy with a surreal atmosphere.
This kind of composition, unconstrained by convention, later had a profound influence on great composers such as Debussy and Ravel.
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementRūtovihi Van Bētōven
Assuming you’re not particularly interested in classical music, Beethoven is probably one of the most widely known classical composers even among such listeners.
Ludwig van Beethoven, the “master of music,” left behind many works that everyone has heard at least once.
Among his piano sonatas, “Pathétique,” which is introduced here, is often mentioned alongside “Moonlight” and “Appassionata.” It is said to have been composed between 1798 and 1799, and it received high acclaim upon its debut, becoming a breakthrough piece that helped cement Beethoven’s status as a composer.
Within “Pathétique,” the especially famous Second Movement is frequently used as background music, often in rearranged form, in television shows and commercials.
In the hugely popular series Nodame Cantabile, which features classical music as a motif, this was also the piece the protagonist Nodame played in her first appearance.
Compared with the other movements, the sadness suggested by the title is somewhat subdued; you can fully savor its calm yet poignantly moving sonorities.
The development in the middle section, which dramatically shifts the mood from the main theme, is truly beautiful as well.
Mitsuha’s ThemeRADWIMPS
It’s a masterpiece whose poignant melody resonates deeply.
Written specifically for the film “Your Name.”, this piece marked a new challenge for the rock band RADWIMPS.
Centered on piano, its delicate melody beautifully captures the protagonists’ inner worlds and the story’s emotional texture.
Serving as a crucial part of the film’s soundtrack, it received high acclaim, including a Special Award at the 2016 Japan Record Awards.
The work portrays, through music, the intertwined fates of two people who keep missing each other, themed around lost time and the wish for reunion.
It’s a highly recommended track not only for movie fans but also for anyone seeking a moving piano piece.
Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry
This is a short piano piece by Charles-Henri, a pianist and composer active in the contemporary French music scene.
It features an elegant, lyrical melody and a comfortably flowing triple meter.
The work expresses affection for a newborn princess and can be interpreted as music symbolizing innocence and hope.
Despite its brief duration of about a minute and a half, it has a profound, lingering appeal.
It is recommended for those who wish to become familiar with classical music or who enjoy gentle, tranquil pieces.