[Piano Etudes] Recommended for Beginners! A Curated Selection of Easy, Playable Pieces

French Suite No. 2, BWV 813 – CouranteJ.S.Bach

Bach French Suite No.2 “Courante” (take 4) P. Barton, FEURICH 133 piano

Among the French Suites, this piece is filled with dance-like charm, distinguished by its elegant triple meter and flowing melody.

Composed between 1722 and 1725, it is a Baroque masterpiece that blends French and Italian dance styles into a refined work.

Though it has no lyrics, the music itself speaks, and its expressive, richly contoured melody conjures images of graceful courtly dances.

Despite its relaxed tempo, it weaves in complex rhythms, making it recommended both for those aiming to develop performance technique and theoretical understanding, and for listeners who want to savor the allure of Baroque music.

Composed for educational purposes, it combines ease of playing with artistic depth.

Variations in E-flat major, Op. 82, MWV U 158 — Theme: Andante assai espressivoFelix Mendelssohn

Variations in E-Flat Major, Op. 82, MWV U158: Theme. Andante assai espressivo

An elegant set of variations consisting of a theme and five variations.

Composed in July 1841, it bears the typical characteristics of the Romantic era while overflowing with profound emotional expression and delicate musicality.

The theme begins with a calm, expressively rich melody, followed by an ornamental first variation, a second variation characterized by harmonic changes, a lively third variation, and a quiet fourth variation.

In the fifth variation, the theme reappears, bringing the piece to a close with a beautiful afterglow.

With its approachable melody and a level of difficulty that can certainly be mastered through careful practice, this work is recommended for those who wish to explore Mendelssohn’s world or take on Romantic piano repertoire.

Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 4: A Secret ConversationFelix Mendelssohn

Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.19 No.4 in A Major

This is a gentle miniature whose calm, graceful melody seeps into the heart.

Written in 1830, the piece lets its melody flow as if singing, giving the impression of confiding a secret feeling to someone.

It’s approachable for anyone who can read music, built from a simple left-hand accompaniment and a richly expressive right-hand melody.

Its charm lies in a slow tempo that unfolds like storytelling, and despite having no lyrics, it carries abundant emotional expression.

It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to savor the elegance of Romantic music or refine their expressive touch.

Why not take your time, enjoy the tranquil passage of time, and practice it with care?

Songs Without Words, Book III, Op. 38, No. 4: HopeFelix Mendelssohn

Barenboim plays Mendelssohn Songs Without Words Op.38 no.4 in A Major

This is a charming piece with a calm, approachable melody.

Carefully selected from the album Songs Without Words, it features a graceful tune in A major that resonates deeply.

While tranquil, it carries an air of hope, with the right-hand melody and left-hand accompaniment blending beautifully.

There is little hand crossing, and the score is simple, so with steady, unhurried practice, you will be able to play it confidently.

Published in 1837 and intended for home performance, this work offers a joyful way to practice while refining delicate expressive skills.

Start by firmly grasping the melodic line, then gradually deepen your expression to cultivate a rich musicality.

“Butterflies” Op. 2, IntroductionRobert Schumann

Introduction in D Major “Moderato” (Papillons, Op.2) – Robert Schumann

The introduction depicting a masked ball is a short piece characterized by gently undulating melodies and delicate harmonies.

Completed in 1831, it was inspired by Jean Paul’s novel “Flegeljahre,” and it exudes a quintessentially Romantic, fantastical atmosphere.

Though brief, the work is rich in narrative quality, making it approachable for intermediate pianists and ideal for cultivating a sensitive touch and expressive nuance.

With relatively few sharps, it’s also accessible for beginners to practice.

Classical music can seem daunting, but by gradually mastering this piece while exploring its background, you can savor the joy of expressing an elegant ambiance at the piano.

“Butterflies,” Op. 2: No. 10, “Unmasking the Mask”Robert Schumann

Waltz in C major “Vivo” (Papillons, Op.2, No.10) – Robert Schumann

An early piano suite by Robert Schumann, captivating for its thrilling melodies and delicate expression.

Comprising just twelve short pieces, this work is a small collection of stories that musically depicts a masked ball.

Written in 1831, it reaches its dramatic climax in No.

10, vividly portraying the moment when masks are exchanged.

Inspired by literature, the music offers a world rich in Romantic lyricism while remaining accessible to beginners.

It’s perfect for those who have just started the piano or who want a sense of accomplishment with short pieces.

Since it isn’t technically demanding, it’s also ideal for honing expressive skills.

“Butterflies,” Op. 2, No. 12: “Final Scene and the Returning Brothers”Robert Schumann

Schumann. Papillons Op. 2 nº 12. Finale. Partitura e Interpretación

The twelfth piece, the finale of Robert Schumann’s Op.

2 Papillons, is an elegant miniature depicting the end of a masquerade ball.

Published in 1831, it delicately portrays the ball’s conclusion and the participants’ journey home.

Light yet sentimental in atmosphere, it is notable for its quotation of the traditional “Grandfather’s Dance” melody.

In the closing measures, the sound gradually fades, evoking the image of the ballroom lights being extinguished one by one.

This piece is recommended for pianists who have mastered the basics and wish to explore the rich expressiveness of the Romantic era.

Savor Schumann’s poetic world while cherishing the music’s narrative quality.