Piano Masterpieces: Music you’ll want to listen to and play—beloved classic works
Do you have any memorable piano pieces that make you feel healed when you listen to them, or that you’d like to play someday?
A favorite piece can soothe a mind clouded by stress or anxiety.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected world-famous piano works from among the classics that could become your go-to soothing track.
Even if you’re not very familiar with classical music, we’ve chosen only well-known pieces you’ve likely heard somewhere before, so please enjoy reading to the end!
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Piano Masterpieces: Must-Listen and Must-Play! Beloved Classical Works (71–80)
Trout (arranged by Liszt)Franz Schubert
This piece is a piano solo arrangement of a song by Franz Schubert, made by Franz Liszt.
Through the story of a trout swimming in a clear stream and the fisherman who aims to catch it, it conveys a lesson about life.
Liszt adds brilliant, piano-specific virtuosity without diminishing the original’s beauty.
Arpeggios and ornaments that evoke the flow of the river and the movements of the trout are used effectively, rendering visual scenes through sound.
It is recommended for those interested in the beauty of nature and the morals of human society, as well as for listeners who enjoy technically dazzling piano performances.
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rakhmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff, the great Russian composer known for his many dark works.
Among them, the piece I especially recommend this time is Vocalise, Op.
34 No.
14.
Its structure—featuring harmonies and counter-melodies—is striking, offering a steady, understated darkness.
While many of Rachmaninoff’s compositions tend to be dark yet flashy and grand, partly due to his large hands, I think this one differs from that typical image of him.
If you’d like to discover a new side of Rachmaninoff, be sure to check it out.
Suite from the ballet “The Nutcracker”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Known as an essential work for the Christmas season and one of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces, this piece depicts a fantastical world dreamed by a young girl on Christmas Eve and is characterized by light, sparkling music.
With familiar numbers like the “March” and the “Waltz of the Flowers,” it is beloved by a wide audience, from children to adults.
Since its premiere in December 1892, it has been frequently performed not only as a ballet but also in various arrangements for orchestra and solo piano, making it an ideal gateway to classical music.
It’s a perfect piece for those seeking a heartwarming moment during the colder months.
Piano Masterpieces: Pieces You Want to Listen to and Play! Beloved Classical Works (81–90)
Children’s Corner No. 1: “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum”Claude Debussy
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.
4 Etudes No. 4, Op. 7-4 in F-sharp majorIgor Stravinsky
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.
Nocturne No. 1 in E-flat minor, Op. 33Gabriel Fauré
Beginning in silence with an introspective melody that unfolds into a passionate middle section, the musical flow feels as if emotions swirling deep within the heart are gradually coming to the surface.
Composed in 1875, the piece opens up a distinctive sonic world woven from wave-like undulating accompaniment and delicate touch.
Especially in the central section, where the surging bass and the treble melody cross, gravitas and clarity fuse in an exquisite balance, powerfully stirring the listener.
The performance time is about 7 to 8 minutes, and it is a work that can be attempted with basic piano technique.
It is an ideal piece for those who wish to experience the elegance of French music or hone their expressive abilities.
Suite ‘Dolly’ Op. 56 No. 4, Kitty-ValseGabriel Fauré
Why not try bringing to life a graceful waltz of French music on the piano keys? Written between 1894 and 1896 to celebrate a young girl’s birthday, this elegant piece from a set of six portrays a beloved family dog.
Its lively E-flat major rhythm seems to capture the image of a cute dog bounding about.
Refined harmonies and delicate melodies weave a miniature of about two and a half minutes, wrapped in a warm, homely atmosphere.
With its approachable character that makes piano four-hands especially enjoyable, the piece’s graceful harmonic language—bridging the Romantic and Impressionist styles—offers a full taste of the allure of French music.