[For Intermediate Players] Challenge Yourself! Recommended Masterpieces That Shine at Piano Recitals
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.
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- [Piano Recital] Perfect Pieces for Middle Schoolers! A Curated Selection of Impressive, Audience-Pleasing Works
- [For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces
- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- [Piano Recital] Recommended for Boys! A Curated Selection of Cool, Impressive, and Popular Pieces
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
- [Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces
- Beginner to Intermediate: Chopin pieces with relatively low difficulty. Recommended works by Chopin.
- [Low Difficulty] Recommended Tchaikovsky Piano Pieces [Intermediate]
- [Piano Recital] Recommended for Middle Schoolers! A Comprehensive Introduction to Classical Masterpieces
- For Advanced Players: Showstopping Classics to Play at a Piano Recital
[For Intermediate Players] Challenge! Recommended Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals (1–10)
Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.
16 in C major, K.
545, is a piece many piano learners study during the transition from beginner to intermediate.
Popular at recitals, this work is one of the more approachable pieces for beginners thanks to its simple melody and clear structure.
From the point where the left-hand accompaniment shifts to sixteenth notes, the tempo tends to slow down.
Incorporate finger exercises and aim for crisp articulation so each note is played cleanly and the performance stays lively.
Trojan horseAram Khachaturian

This work is by Aram Khachaturian, an Armenian composer who represents the 20th century.
Born in Georgia in 1903, Khachaturian was active during the Soviet era and is known for his distinctive style that incorporates elements of folk music.
Though short, this piece is packed with Khachaturian’s hallmark vivid harmonies and compelling rhythms.
Its sensual melody, evoking Armenian national identity, resonates deeply with listeners.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to add one more piece to a piano recital or concert, and it’s also recommended for those interested in classical music.
The Decisive Battle – from Final Fantasy X Piano CollectionsUematsu Nobuo

This is a piano arrangement of a popular track that colors the battle scenes of Final Fantasy X.
It’s an ambitious work that brilliantly conveys the original’s intensity and energetic progression using a single piano.
The fast tempo, complex rhythms, and dynamic shifts in volume create a tension-filled soundscape that overwhelms the listener.
Included on the 2002 album “Piano Collections FINAL FANTASY X,” this piece features an inventive structure that skillfully incorporates irregular meters and key changes, thoroughly testing the performer’s technique and expressive range.
It’s perfect for those who want to leave a strong impression at a recital—a compelling addition to your repertoire that allows for a dazzling, passionate performance.
[For Intermediate Players] Challenge! Recommended Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals (11–20)
Piano Sonata No. 20 in G majorLudwig van Beethoven

We present a piano piece composed by the great master of classical music, Beethoven, specifically for beginners.
Written around 1795, its first edition was titled “Deux Sonates Faciles” (Two Easy Sonatas), and it is characterized by a concise, approachable style in two movements.
The first movement features a dignified tonic chord and a triplet motive, while the second movement is notable for a graceful, minuet-like melody.
Although relatively easy to perform, the piece showcases Beethoven’s compositional technique and aesthetic sensibility.
It is an excellent choice for those who have just started learning the piano or are newly interested in classical music.
With its bright, warm atmosphere, it is sure to captivate audiences at recitals.
Sonatina No. 9, First MovementMuzio Clementi

Let me introduce a light and catchy piano piece by Muzio Clementi.
Published in 1797, this work is characterized by its bright, energetic melody.
A rhythmic theme unfolds, lifting the listener’s spirits.
Written in sonata form, it’s recommended for a wide range of players, from beginners to intermediate.
The chord progressions are gentle, creating a pleasing resonance.
It’s an ideal piece not only for piano learners but also as an introduction to classical music.
Perform it at a recital, and it’s sure to captivate the audience.
Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

This is a captivating solo piano piece woven with two elements: “dance” and “song.” A rhythmic, Japanese-style melody blends beautifully with a gentle cantabile, evoking vivid images of a summer night.
The “dance” section brims with energy, featuring irregular meter in 5/8 and syncopation, while the “song” section unfolds over elegant harmonies.
These contrasting parts alternate, enchanting the listener.
It’s recommended for those seeking a family-friendly recital piece or for learners who want to deepen their sense of rhythm while honoring a Japanese aesthetic.
With thoughtful use of staccato and pedaling, performers can further broaden the expressive palette, making this a rewarding work to study.
Those Who FightUematsu Nobuo

This is a powerful instrumental piece that brilliantly captures the exhilaration of in-game battles.
Its striking melody blends the grandeur of an orchestra with the timbres of electric guitar and synthesizer, overflowing with tension and a sense of speed.
The work adds dramatic flair to standard battle scenes and serves to inspire the player’s spirit.
Since its 1997 release, it has continued to captivate fans worldwide through a variety of arrangements performed by orchestras and rock bands.
Masterfully expressing both the player’s passion and the intensity of combat, this piece also has the power to draw in audiences at piano recitals, making it an excellent choice for performers aiming for expressive, emotionally rich playing.



