A web magazine to help you enjoy the piano even more

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

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

A recital you perform in after you’ve been playing piano for a good while.

Based on having participated a few times already, this may be the time when ideals for your recital piece start to take shape—like “I want to play that piece I heard last year!” or “I’ve played a lot of slow, relaxed pieces so far, but I want to try something up-tempo!”

In this article, we’ll introduce piano pieces that really shine on stage and are perfect for players who have cleared the beginner level and are moving into the intermediate range.

We hope this helps you choose your next recital piece as you compare options with your own ideals in mind.

[For Intermediate Players] Challenge! Recommended Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals (81–90)

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

ARK Classics 2020, Concert 6 – Tsujii plays Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.8 “Pathétique”

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

Watch “Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathétique,’ First Movement” by Ludwig van Beethoven on YouTube.

One of the greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven is beloved by a wide range of players from beginners to advanced, but among his works, the first movement of Piano Sonata No.

8 in C minor, Op.

13 “Pathétique,” can be said to be one of the most popular with intermediate players.

The first movement is known for being among the most challenging within the “Pathétique,” yet its difficulty falls into the upper-intermediate level, so even junior high school students can take it on.

Although there are many staccatos, be careful not to get caught up in them and play too short.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Clair de Lune (Suite bergamasque, No. 3)Claude Debussy

High-Quality Audio [Clair de lune — Debussy] Debussy — Clair de Lune / CANACANA

Clair de Lune (Suite bergamasque, No. 3)Claude Debussy

Pieces labeled for advanced players aren’t necessarily tackled only by advanced players.

It’s quite common for intermediate players to take on advanced repertoire.

For those intermediates aiming to become advanced, I recommend Clair de Lune.

It’s not an extremely difficult piece, but because the overall sound is quiet, it demands a delicate touch.

If you struggle with pianissimo, why not give it a try?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Symphonia No. 1 in C majorJ.S.Bach

Bach / Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major (J.S. Bach – Sinfonia No. 1 in C Major, BWV 787, from Three-Part Invention)

Symphonia No. 1 in C majorJ.S.Bach

This delightful miniature features a bright, lively three-voice piano melody and was composed in 1720 for the education of the composer’s son.

From the very opening, the flowing main theme is elegantly handed from the upper voice to the middle and then the lower, showcasing the intricate counterpoint characteristic of Baroque music.

Its unbroken melodic lines and pleasing harmonic progressions are full of charm that captivates listeners.

The passages speak clearly, the phrasing connects naturally, and it is an ideal performance piece for upper-elementary students.

With its sparkling layers of sound and rich expressiveness, it will lend a brilliant flourish to any recital stage.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve introduced masterpieces that are perfect for piano recitals, recommended for intermediate players who have built up some experience! In addition to faithfully reproducing what’s written in the score—such as intricate fingerwork, dynamics, and expression—learning about the piece’s background and listening to great pianists’ performances will significantly deepen your understanding and help polish your interpretation.

Choose a favorite piece, practice steadily to elevate your playing beyond simply “putting the notes in order,” and deliver a dazzling performance at your recital!