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: Pieces You Want to Listen to and Play! Beloved Classical Works (111–120)
Waltz No. 15, Op. 39-15 “Waltz of Love”Johannes Brahms
Among the fifteen, the most famous piece is Waltz No.
15, Op.
39-15, “Liebeswalzer” (Love Waltz).
It’s a piece you often hear at piano recitals.
A key point of this work is that both the right and left hands feature many chords.
While it can basically be considered an easy piece, those chords make it a bit tricky to play, so its difficulty is probably upper-beginner or lower-intermediate.
In particular, the right hand in measure 37 is challenging, so I recommend practicing each hand separately.
Piano Masterpieces: Works You Want to Listen to and Play—Beloved Classics (121–130)
Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven
One piece often counted among the songs beginners dream of playing is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Turkish March.” While the left hand keeps a steady rhythm, the right hand delivers a bold melody that evokes the march of brave soldiers.
Because the tempo remains composed, rapid finger movements aren’t required; however, mastering proper hand posture and finger shape is essential for executing the grace notes cleanly when they appear.
It’s a perfect study piece for smoothly leveling up from beginner to intermediate.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, the great composer known as the pinnacle of Classical music.
Beethoven is renowned for his profound, soul-piercing compositions, and among his works, the one I especially recommend is the first movement of Piano Sonata No.
14 in C-sharp minor, Op.
27-2, “Moonlight.” While the piece is very easy to perform, its expressive impact is tremendous, drawing you instantly into its world from the opening phrase.
In the long history of human music, it is rare to find a work with such a simple melody that achieves this level of expressive power, so if you’re listening for the first time, be sure to check it out.
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
14 in C-sharp minor, Op.
27, No.
2, widely known as the “Moonlight Sonata.” In particular, the first movement, which proceeds slowly as if expressing deep sorrow, is a masterpiece that is almost always cited as a “beautiful piano work.” The nickname “Moonlight Sonata” was taken from a remark made by a music critic after Beethoven’s death.
We cannot be certain what the composer himself had in mind, but isn’t there no word more fitting for this piece than “moonlight”?
Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40: No. 1 “Prelude”Nikolai Kapustin
This piece, by Russian composer Nikolai Kapustin, who was born in Ukraine, is characterized by a bright, energetic style.
It’s rhythmic, seamlessly blending the swing feel of jazz with the precision of classical music, and it might just make your body start moving as you listen.
You may even get the illusion that a jazz combo is playing, even though it’s all on a single piano.
For performers, it demands advanced technique and offers a rewarding challenge.
For listeners, however, it’s a light and delightful piece.
It’s definitely one to hear if you love both classical and jazz.
Kinderszenen, Op. 15, No. 7: “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann’s “Träumerei” is a dreamlike, exquisitely lyrical piece that makes you swoon.
It is the seventh piece in Scenes from Childhood, Op.
15, a collection written for adults that evokes the spirit of childhood.
The most famous number in the set, it is performed not only on piano but also on violin, cello, flute, and many other instruments, captivating listeners well beyond classical music fans.
You can savor it by listening closely, or play it on the piano and immerse yourself in the beauty of its melody and harmony.
Settle in and enjoy it at leisure on a quiet autumn night.
Fantasia Pieces: Prelude “The Bells,” Op. 3 No. 2 in C-sharp minorSergei Rakhmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff, a composer known for his unusually large hands, is famous for writing many technically demanding pieces, as well as for his heavy, somber musical style.
Among his works, a particular recommendation is Prelude “The Bells” in C-sharp minor from Morceaux de fantaisie, Op.
3 No.
2.
The standout feature of this piece is the middle section marked “Agitato,” characterized by a tragic melody that feels as if you’re plunging into an abyss.
It’s a quintessential example of a dark piano work—be sure to check it out.