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

Bergamasque Suite No. 4 “Passepied”Claude Debussy

Passepied (Debussy) – Debussy – Passepied – Suite bergamasque – pianomaedaful

Claude Debussy is a popular composer in Japan as well.

Among his many masterpieces, one I particularly recommend is “Suite bergamasque, No.

4: Passepied.” In terms of difficulty, if you can play Czerny’s Op.

40, you should be able to perform this without much trouble.

Because this piece must be played lightly with crisp staccato throughout, missed notes are of course unacceptable, and rhythmic instability is also strictly off-limits.

Though it’s a relatively minor work, I believe it’s even better than the “Menuet” for showcasing your technique.

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Ryo

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Carnival Jest from Vienna, Op. 26 No. 1 “Allegro”Robert Schumann

Schumann / Carnival Jest from Vienna, 1st movement: Allegro / Sachiko Suga

Carnival Jest from Vienna, Op.

26 is a solo piano work composed in Vienna in 1839 by Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic movement in the 19th century.

Consisting of five movements, the first piece, Allegro, captivates with its innovative rhythms and unexpected melodies.

Schumann vividly portrays the bustle and splendor of the Viennese carnival through his uniquely poetic expression.

This piece tests both technique and expressive range, making it a guaranteed showstopper at recitals.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to evoke the carnival atmosphere through the piano’s timbre.

Fantasiestücke, Op. 3 No. 1 “Elegy”Sergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff – Elegie (Op. 3 No. 1)

This piece is the first of five short works completed by Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1892.

It is often performed at a gentle tempo.

For that reason, while it is not particularly difficult from a technical standpoint, simply placing the notes can result in a monotonous, uninteresting performance.

If you focus on details—such as which notes the sustained tones are leading toward, which voices to bring out, and how to balance the dynamics—you can achieve a more refined and beautiful interpretation.

It is a piece that lets you fully savor its wistful, melancholy character.

Arabesque in C major, Op. 18Robert Schumann

Schumann – Arabesque in C major, Op.18 – pianomaedaful

A piano miniature composed in 1839 by the Romantic master Robert Schumann.

It is characterized by an elegant, feminine style and is known as a delicate piece for ladies.

Employing a rondo form in which the main theme returns, it features an appealing alternation between a gentle, lyrical principal section and more intense episodes.

Beginning with a light, graceful melody, passing through a somewhat somber middle passage, it concludes in a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere.

Reflecting Schumann’s inner emotions and artistic contemplation, this work combines elegance with expressive richness and is recommended as a striking recital piece.

Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Turkish March / Mozart / Piano / CANACANA

A staple piece for piano recitals and one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most popular piano works, the “Turkish March.” Originally the third movement of the Piano Sonata No.

11 in A major, K.

331, it is often performed on its own in concerts and recitals rather than as part of the full sonata.

Its familiar melody is arranged in a variation-like manner, with the difficulty increasing toward the latter half.

To ensure you can play through to the end without losing lightness or momentum, carefully polish the finer techniques through diligent practice.

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Nocturne No. 13 in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1Frederic Chopin

Chopin – Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1

One of the masterpieces by Frédéric Chopin, a composer emblematic of the Romantic era.

Structured in three sections, this work is characterized by intense emotional fluctuations steeped in sorrow.

Beginning with a relaxed tempo, it moves through a brighter key in the middle section and concludes with a succession of virtuosic chords.

Composed in 1841, the piece is said to reflect Chopin’s complex state of mind.

Perform it on a piano recital stage, and it’s sure to captivate the audience.

Be sure to practice carefully, attuning yourself to Chopin’s sentiments as you play.

Turkish MarchWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Turkish March Mozart, 3rd grade elementary school

This melody by Mozart that everyone knows is actually the third movement of the landmark Piano Sonata No.

11 in A major, K.

331.

The piece embodies the “Turkish style” music that swept Europe in the late 18th century, brimming with exotic flair—one can almost picture a military band marching boldly by.

Its glittering, powerful character is sure to resonate with elementary and middle school students who look up to adulthood.

It even became a hot topic as a commercial jingle in 1985.

While the tune is familiar, mastering the precise, meticulously crafted lines so characteristic of Mozart is a rewarding challenge.

It’s perfect for children who want to be the star of the recital with a cool piece—the sense of accomplishment when you finish playing it is second to none!