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

Brilliant WaltzGlenda Austin

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Brilliant Waltz ♫ Glenda Austin / Valse Brillante, Glenda Austin

Set to a brilliant and elegant waltz rhythm, this piece captivates listeners as jazz elements are skillfully interwoven.

While the flowing melodies are enhanced with modern arrangements, the refined character of the music draws out the performer’s expressive abilities.

Glenda Austin’s works are often adopted as teaching materials in piano studios and music education settings, and are frequently chosen for recitals and competitions.

This piece, which values the distinctive feel of the waltz while combining technical challenges with musical enjoyment, is an ideal choice for upper elementary-level learners.

Children’s Corner No. 1: “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum”Claude Debussy

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Hikari Matsushita Debussy: Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

A representative work of French Impressionism is included in the piano suite Children’s Corner.

Dedicated to Claude Debussy’s beloved daughter, this piece is a short work of about two minutes that premiered in Paris in December 1908.

While satirically imitating the style of classical études, its lively, playful character is highly appealing.

It brims with refined harmonic sensibility and humor, avoiding the monotony often associated with mechanical études.

Often recommended for early-morning performance, it combines a fresh atmosphere with expressive musicality and is very popular as concert repertoire.

It is a piece I would especially recommend to performers seeking a short work that can captivate an audience in a brief span.

Études “30 Pieces for Children, Op. 27” No. 3Dmitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Etude

This compact piece, woven from a simple yet beguiling melody and dynamic rhythms, is one of the gems from “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” composed between 1937 and 1938 for young players.

The energetic right-hand melody and the powerful left-hand chords create a sonority that evokes a thrilling, dance-like spirit.

While containing elements of virtuosity, it is a piano miniature rich in expressive color.

Its conservative yet innovative chord progressions captivate listeners within a brief performance time.

Ideal for recitals and competitions, its accessible melody infused with elements of Russian folk music will resonate deeply with audiences.

4 Etudes No. 4, Op. 7-4 in F-sharp majorIgor Stravinsky

The Modern Étude – Stravinsky: Étude Op. 7 No. 4 in F-sharp Major | Takashi Yamada

This short piece, composed in 1908 and running just under two minutes, is a masterpiece that shines with an inventive fusion of harmony and rhythm.

Its light, lively motion bursts forth like fireworks, captivating the listener.

The deft use of syncopation drives a dynamic progression, while vivid harmonic shifts blend seamlessly, bringing out the performer’s full virtuosity.

Though brief, the work distills Igor Stravinsky’s innovative spirit in its pursuit of musical possibility, making it a memorable choice for a piano recital encore.

Notably, in November 1947, pianist Nadia Reisenberg gave a striking performance of the piece at Carnegie Hall.

Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3Franz Schubert

Schubert – Impromptu in G flat major, Op. 90 No. 3 – pianomaedful

Franz Schubert’s Impromptu Op.

90 No.

3 is distinguished by its graceful melody.

Its gentle flow allows for expressive nuance and emotional depth, making it a guaranteed showpiece on any recital stage.

If you can accurately control the ever-moving left-hand accompaniment at a comfortable tempo while being mindful of phrase connections and dynamics, your performance will reach the next level.

This piece is packed with the essential elements needed for those looking to advance beyond the intermediate stage, so why not take this opportunity to give it a try?

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Waltz No. 2 (Second Waltz)Dmitri Shostakovich

Waltz No. 2 – Shostakovich (Melissa Pianist)

An orchestral piece composed by the eminent Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

Premiered in Moscow on November 28, 1938, it is a waltz in 3/4 time primarily in C minor and E-flat major.

Its distinctive orchestration features an alto saxophone carrying the main melody, supported by brass and strings weaving refined harmonies.

The result is a captivating work that, while light and sprightly, exudes a subtle sense of unease.

Also known for its use in the film “Eyes Wide Shut,” the piece is frequently performed as a solo piano work by many pianists.

It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a piece that will make a strong impression at a recital.

Waltz EtudeWilliam Gillock

[Gillock] Piano “Waltz Etude” Sheet Music

A captivating classical piece with a beautiful triple meter, it enchants the audience from the opening with a lively and dazzling waltz rhythm.

Beginning in G major, the middle section modulates to E-flat major, where the tempo relaxes and settles, lending the entire work a profound expressiveness.

Demanding both delicate touch and powerful expression, this piece—released in 1972—fully showcases the piano’s expressive range.

Its blend of graceful melody and brilliance makes it an ideal choice for recital performance.

With inventive technical features throughout, it is a superb work that rewards practice by deepening musicality.

Offering the chance to experience the waltz’s rhythmic character and the color changes brought by modulation, it is perfectly suited for upper elementary school recital programs.