[Piano Recital] A selection of intermediate-level pieces perfect for girls!

Arabesque No. 1Claude Debussy

Arabesque No. 1 / Debussy / Classic / Piano / CANACANA

Claude Debussy’s “Arabesque No.

1,” composed in 1888, is a work that, while influenced by the Romantic tradition, is interwoven with innovative elements.

If summed up in a single phrase, it could be called “a masterpiece in which lyrical beauty and pianistic technique are exquisitely fused.” Particularly striking are the arpeggios that make extensive use of broken chords, with a delicate balance between the right and left hands that captivates the listener.

For a girl studying piano, the process of taking on its graceful musical character and technical challenges can truly be described as a journey of growth.

More than mere technical advancement, this piece leads to a deeper understanding of music, making it an ideal choice for a recital.

“Baumkuchen” from “The World of Sweets”Yuyama Akira

39th Prizewinner Commemorative Concert A1 Category [Gold Prize] Risa Hiraoka / Akira Yuyama: Baumkuchen

The World of Sweets, a piano collection by Akira Yuyama—one of Japan’s musical treasures—was released by Zen-On Music in 1973.

The work consists of 26 pieces themed around sweets.

Among them, one particularly gentle piece is especially appealing for its structure that modulates from C major to E major as it builds toward the climax.

Despite its brief playing time of about 2 minutes and 10 seconds, it offers a wealth of expressive contrasts, making it perfect for nurturing children’s imagination and expressive skills.

The compact piece also includes spots to showcase technique, making it a great choice for stage performance.

How about letting your child’s expressiveness shine with this exciting piece?

Waltz ÉtudeWilliam Gillock

Waltz Etude / Gillock / PTNA Assigned Piece 2021 / Valse Etude / Gillock

William Gillock’s works are full of variety—some passages conjure images of children dashing about, while others evoke a scene of graceful, measured steps.

This piece, too, is brilliant and allows for abundant nuance in dynamics and expression, making it easy to craft a performance that leaves a strong impression.

Born in 1917, Gillock took an interest in the piano at the age of three and composed over 300 educational piano pieces.

It’s a perfect work for children who want to give a performance that will astonish their friends and family!

Fantaisie-ImpromptuFrederic Chopin

Fantaisie-Impromptu – Chopin – 13-year-old recital / Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu

This is a work by Frédéric Chopin that shifts from a stormy, passionate passage to a dreamily sweet and beautiful melody.

Its dramatic development is sure to resonate with elementary and middle school children who admire a more mature world.

Composed around 1834, it is also known for its luscious middle section, which was used as a principal theme in the film Impromptu.

The passages where the right and left hands play different rhythms simultaneously require practice, but the sense of accomplishment when mastered is exceptional.

It’s a rewarding piece for children who want to enrich their expressiveness and aim for a higher level of performance.

If played with rich emotion at a recital, it will surely capture the audience’s hearts.

Maiden’s PrayerTekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska

Maiden’s Prayer – Badarzewska [La prière d’une vierge] Piano / CANACANA

Tekla Bądarzewska’s “A Maiden’s Prayer” is distinguished by its delicate, resplendent melody.

Its sweet, beautiful tune conjures a scene of someone single‑heartedly wishing for something with a pure heart, captivating many listeners.

Since its publication in Warsaw in 1856, it has continued to be cherished around the world.

You may well recognize it from its appearance in the anime Classicaloid or its use as a station melody on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

The decorative passages—interweaving octaves and septuplets—evoke the elegance of salon music.

It’s a perfect piece for elementary and middle school students who want to stretch themselves a little and take on a sophisticated, aspirational work.

Fountain of Stars from ‘Constellations of Sound’Yuyama Akira

36th Prize Winners' Commemorative Concert / ANRI Inoue Akira Yuyama: Fountain of Stars

This piece is included in Akira Yuyama’s piano collection Constellation of Sounds; Yuyama is a composer known for numerous orchestral works, choral pieces, and piano works for children.

Although it is a very short piece—less than a minute—it is packed with essential elements for learning the piano, such as clear contrasts between staccato and legato, and balancing the accompaniment and melody.

Of course, its charming, playful character is another reason it’s perfect for children’s recitals.

Aim for an expressive performance that conveys a gentle atmosphere through sound.

Completed in March 2009 and published in October of the same year, this work was composed with the goal of being enjoyable for both children and adults.

Tarantella, Op. 77 No. 6Moritz Moszkowski

[Recommended for piano recitals] Tarantella, Op. 77-6 ♫ Moszkowski / Tarantella, Moszkowski

A dazzling, energizing piano piece that wakes you right up—this is one of Moritz Moszkowski’s most popular miniatures.

Inspired by dance music from southern Italy, it exquisitely blends a lively 6/8 rhythm with flowing melodies.

Scales and arpeggios alternate between the right and left hands, sprinkled with brilliant ornamentation that evokes a scene from a joy-filled ball.

Effective use of crescendos and decrescendos adds dramatic flair.

It’s sure to captivate audiences at recitals or concerts.

Experience this exhilarating piece that makes your fingers want to dance.