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

Children’s Album, Volume I: ‘Album of My Childhood’ No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian

Grade C Khachaturian: Etude (2022 PTNA Competition Set Piece) pf. Mai Koshio

This piece is included in Aram Khachaturian’s collection Children’s Album, Book 1: Pictures of Childhood, known for Sabre Dance.

The Russian composer Khachaturian was born in Tiflis in June 1903 and studied at the Moscow Conservatory.

This work is a piano collection for children, suitable for beginner to intermediate pianists.

Within its short pieces, it portrays the image of a lively boy, featuring abundant eighth-note staccato passages and distinctive rhythms.

Why not perform this stylish, brilliantly effective work with confidence on a recital stage?

Concert EtudeNakata Yoshinao

5th place at the Kurakon National Competition: Yuzuki Miyake — Yoshinao Nakata “Concert Etude”

Yoshinao Nakada’s Concert Etude is a captivating piece with a heart-stirringly beautiful melody and harmonies.

While the piece is designed so that even young elementary school children with small hands can play it, the key to performance lies not only in basic piano technique but also in a deep understanding of the music and expressive musicianship.

Rather than focusing solely on technical challenges, approach your practice by carefully studying the score so you can savor and convey the beauty of the changing harmonies and the songful character of the melody throughout the piece.

Sonatina No. 10, First MovementMuzio Clementi

Clementi: No. 4 (Sonatina Album No. 10), 1st Movement, pf. Naotsugu Shimamura

A lively, three-part work brimming with energy, it unfolds with a captivating contrast between an arresting first theme that begins with repeated notes in the bass and a light, staccato-driven second theme.

Since its first publication in 1797, this piece has remained a beloved staple of the piano student’s repertoire.

Though it lasts only about two and a half minutes, it breathes with brilliance and richly expressive melody.

The work is ideal for developing expressiveness, featuring elements such as contrasts between legato and staccato and dynamic variation.

With its bright, powerful character and approachable melodies, it is a recommended piece for those who want to experience dazzling expression or discover new charms of the piano.

Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven

Für Elise (Beethoven) Ayumi Yokouchi

Für Elise is a masterpiece that many people who begin learning piano admire.

In Japan, it is said to be the classical piece with the highest likelihood that people can name by title.

Its wistful, beautiful melody is very easy to remember, and the overall tempo is relaxed, making it approachable even for beginners.

In the climactic middle section before the main theme returns, quick finger work is required, but you should be able to manage it by choosing optimal fingering and practicing carefully.

Pay attention to the contrast between the gentle passages and the more intense ones, and perform with rich expression.

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Turkish RondoJohann Burgmüller

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Turkish Rondo ♪ Burgmüller / Rondo alla Turca, Burgmüller

Featuring a brilliant, rhythmic style that modulates from A minor to A major, this piece is marked by lively staccato and flowing sixteenth-note phrases.

Its exotic melodies and rhythms are enhanced by a natural, upbeat flow that emphasizes the anacrusis, captivating listeners.

With an Allegretto tempo marking, an overall energetic expression is required, and clearly contrasting staccato and legato will highlight the character even more.

This piece is recommended for those who want to refine smooth technique and expressive ability.

It helps develop a sense of rhythm and finger independence while deepening understanding of diverse musical styles.

Popular at recitals and competitions, it offers an excellent opportunity to showcase both technique and expressiveness.

Prints, No. 3: ‘Gardens in the Rain’Claude Debussy

Rain Garden (Debussy) – Debussy: Jardins sous la pluie – Estampes – pianomaedaful

Among Claude Debussy’s works, this piece is renowned for exemplifying the characteristics of Impressionist music.

It evokes the scene of a rain-soaked garden with a transparent, shimmering tone color.

While skillfully incorporating French folk melodies, it features distinctive harmonic progressions that make bold use of chromaticism and the whole-tone scale.

At its premiere in Paris in January 1904, pianist Ricardo Viñes’s performance was reportedly met with great acclaim.

It is an ideal work for those wishing to explore Debussy’s sound world, as well as for pianists seeking to refine a delicate touch and rich expressive palette.

Two Arabesques No. 1 in E majorClaude Debussy

Debussy / Two Arabesques: No. 1 in E major / Performed by Masako Nakai

A graceful piece in which a gentle triplet melody is elegantly voiced, with striking chords weaving a beautiful sonority within a flowing, relaxed pace.

The polyrhythms between the right and left hands create a sense of vitality, and the middle section is enveloped in a dreamlike atmosphere.

Composed in 1888, this work achieves a splendid balance between light rhythms and lyricism, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to improve their performance technique.

The natural flow indicated by the tempo marking Andantino con moto is sure to captivate audiences at recitals.

Although it features somewhat complex chord progressions and independent motion in both hands, its difficulty level can be mastered with careful practice.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.