[For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals

Arabesque No. 1Claude Debussy

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

Claude Debussy’s famous piece Arabesque No.

1, often featured in commercials, boasts a sparkling, beautiful melody that really stands out in recitals.

The key to this piece is balancing the triplets with the eighth notes.

Once you grasp this trick, I believe even intermediate players can perform it without trouble.

If you find sight-reading difficult, it’s a good idea to start by breaking up the chords and practicing them separately.

It’s an ideal piece for arpeggio practice, so if you feel uncertain about them, it’s well worth giving this piece a try.

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Impromptu No. 1 in A-flat major, Op. 29Frederic Chopin

Chopin / Impromptu No. 1 in A-flat major, Op. 29 / Performed by Rieko Nezu

The first of the Impromptus composed in 1837 by the Polish genius composer Frédéric Chopin.

Its flowing triplet melody is distinctive, overflowing with a beauty that soothes the listener’s heart.

While there are technically challenging aspects, the performance impact is outstanding! For a recital, solid technique and rich expressiveness are essential.

The transition from the leisurely middle section to the brilliant coda is another highlight.

It’s a perfect piece for those who have studied piano for many years.

Give it a try!

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven – Pathetique Sonata 2nd Movement

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.

8, “Pathétique,” is known as one of his representative early works.

Among its movements, the second is often said to be one of the most beautiful melodies Beethoven ever wrote and has been used frequently as incidental music in films and television dramas.

Composed around 1797–1798, this piece features a simple melody with a relatively narrow range; however, because the other parts have a rich, full texture, the melodic line can easily be buried unless one performs with careful attention to balance.

Aim for a gentle performance that keeps in mind the elegantly flowing melody—one that warmly enfolds the listener’s heart—and the weighty chords that support it.

ToccataAram Khachaturian

Mariam Kharatyan: Toccata by Khachaturian in Grieg Competition 2016

Aram Khachaturian is a composer from Armenia, well known for Sabre Dance and Gayane.

Written in 1932 while he was studying at the Moscow Conservatory, this piece is a vibrant work that weaves in Armenian folk rhythms and techniques of modern music.

Dynamic and powerful yet imbued with delicacy, it’s a piece that will spark your spirit of challenge and stoke your motivation at the piano.

Why not pursue your own musical expression by employing strong finger action and a flexible wrist?

Liebesträume No. 3Franz Liszt

Tried playing “Liebesträume” again / Liszt / Liebesträume No. 3 / piano / CANACANA

Franz Liszt is a composer known for having many difficult pieces.

Although he produced an enormous number of works, among them are some that are easy enough for even middle school students to play.

One such piece is Liebesträume No.

3.

In terms of difficulty, it’s on the lower end of advanced, or perhaps the upper end of intermediate.

Because there are many notes in relation to the melody, it’s a busy piece for the performer, but it’s not so difficult that only top-level players can tackle it.

It’s also highly effective in performance, so do give it a try.

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“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.

Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, Op. 42, D. 845, First MovementFranz Schubert

Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor, D 845, Op. 42 – I. First movement; Pf. Yurino Izumi

A piano piece known as one of the few sonatas Franz Schubert, a master of Romantic music, published during his lifetime.

It is characterized by unstable harmonies and bold modulations, expressing Schubert’s distinctive “transfigured sorrow.” The first movement, notable for its somber, emotionally rich melody, is in sonata form and develops a powerful yet poignant theme in A minor.

The opening subject, presented in a “question-and-answer” manner that creates a musical dialogue, is also striking.

With its complex emotional expression and palpable tension, this work is an ideal piece for those looking to refine their piano technique.