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

“Butterflies,” Op. 2, No. 3: “Waltz”Robert Schumann

Waltz in F♯ minor (Papillons, Op.2, No.3) – Robert Schumann

From Robert Schumann’s early collection Papillons, Op.

2, I would like to introduce No.

3, “Waltz,” written in E-flat major.

Completed in 1831, this piece was inspired by the masquerade scene in Jean Paul’s novel Flegeljahre.

It features a light, lively rhythm and brilliant melodies, vividly evoking the atmosphere of a ball.

Schumann’s poetic and delicate expressiveness shines through, and it is a piece approachable even for beginner pianists.

Recommended for those who wish to enjoy the fusion of literature and music, or to experience Schumann’s characteristically warm Romantic style, this work remains an important part of the classical repertoire and continues to be loved by many pianists today.

Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 2: PierrotRobert Schumann

Schumann. Carnaval Op. 9. 2. Pierrot. Partitura. Audición.

From the collection Carnaval, here is a short piece in which Robert Schumann portrays the clown Pierrot.

Noted for its introverted, wistful atmosphere, the piece features a steady, almost monotonous rhythm punctuated by sudden, leaping motions.

Though only about two minutes long and set in E-flat major, its effective use of pedal creates resonant sonorities that quietly depict Pierrot’s delicate emotional world.

Schumann composed this suite between 1834 and 1835, reflecting his romantic relationships and inner life in the music.

It’s recommended for those who have just begun learning the piano or who want to start with a short piece.

Since it doesn’t demand difficult techniques, focusing on expressive playing will let you fully savor the charm of Romantic-era music.

Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 5 — EusebiusRobert Schumann

Schumann. Carnaval Op. 9. 5. Eusebius. Partitura. Audición.

The fifth piece, which stands quietly within Carnaval, symbolizes Schumann’s inner, dreamer-like side.

Written in E-flat major as an Adagio, it envelops the listener with a gentle, meditative atmosphere.

The poetic world woven by delicate melody and harmony is a distinctive charm of this work, composed between 1834 and 1835.

As a musical portrait of the characters Schumann created to express his own dual nature, it conveys deep introspection and serenity.

It is also recommended for beginner pianists: technically relatively simple yet an ideal piece for learning rich emotional expression.

Try it when you want to face your inner self or calm your mind.

Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11 No. 1 “II. Theme and Variations” Op. 118a-2Robert Schumann

Robert Schumann, Kinder-Sonate in G minor, op. 118 n. 1 (1853) – II. Thema mit Variationen

Brimming with warmth, this charming theme-and-variations piece is an educational work Schumann composed with affection for his daughters.

It is the second movement extracted from the First of the Three Sonatas for Children, published in 1853, unfolding from a gentle theme into a range of contrasting expressions.

Because the variations broaden the scope of musical expression, it is recommended for those who wish to cultivate a rich sensibility.

It begins at a relaxed tempo and contains few technically challenging passages, making it approachable even for first-time learners eager to try classical piano.

While savoring the Schumann-esque poetic world, you can discover the beauty and depth of variation form in this single work.

Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 35 “Mignon”Robert Schumann

Schumann: Mignon, Op. 68 No. 35 [Performance Score]

It captivates with its delicate, poetic character, inspired by the girl Mignon from Goethe’s novel.

Included in Album for the Young, Op.

68, this piece was composed by Schumann in 1848 for his daughter Marie’s seventh birthday.

Its warm E-flat major sonority and gentle harmonic progressions create a serene, introspective atmosphere.

Though the melody is approachable, it demands nuanced touch and phrasing, making it ideal for piano learners looking to deepen their expressiveness.

It’s a piece through which one can feel the connection between literature and music while exploring the distinctive emotional expression of the Romantic era.

Simple yet profoundly moving, it offers a chance to experience Robert Schumann’s characteristically warm musical world.

Alliance de David, Dance Collection No. 18, Non presto, C major — not fastRobert Schumann

Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6, Heft II: No. 18, Nicht schnell

The serene miniature that closes Davidsbündlertänze invites listeners into the world overflowing with Robert Schumann’s poetic sensibility.

True to the indication “Not fast,” its gently flowing melody and tender harmonies convey a calming warmth.

Among the pieces first published in January 1838, this one is particularly imbued with an introspective mood, revealing Schumann’s delicate sensitivity.

Ending peacefully, it is approachable for beginner-level piano students and offers an accessible taste of Romantic expressiveness.

Performed at a relaxed tempo, it allows one to savor Schumann’s distinctive poetic expression.

Morning Songs No. 1: In a calm tempoRobert Schumann

Jörg Demus plays Schumann Morning Songs Op.133 – No.1

Beginning at a gentle tempo, this piece opens the piano solo collection Songs of the Morning, composed by Robert Schumann in October 1853, near the end of his life.

It exudes a serene, introspective atmosphere, characterized by a chorale-like theme and a transparent texture.

Though dissonances are interwoven, the warm resonance of D major deeply touches the heart.

In the final section, the main melody appears as a stretto, creating depth and tension.

The difficulty level is manageable even for beginners, making it ideal for those who wish to express the quiet and hope of morning.

Why not play it at a relaxed pace, savoring Schumann’s poetic world and rich emotional expression?