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] Want to Listen & Play! Beloved Classical Works (1–10)
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” II. movementLudwig van Beethoven
Among Beethoven’s piano sonatas—by the German Classical master Ludwig van Beethoven—the Pathétique is celebrated alongside the Moonlight and the Appassionata.
Said to have been composed between 1798 and 1799, it was highly acclaimed upon its premiere and became the breakthrough work that helped solidify Beethoven’s status as a composer.
In particular, the second movement is widely beloved and frequently used as background music—often in rearranged form—in television and commercials.
With its calm yet somehow poignant sonority and a middle section that shifts dramatically in mood from the main theme, it is a work of great beauty.
Humoresques, Op. 101 No. 7Antonin Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák’s masterpiece, “Eight Humoresques,” is notable for its gentle, relaxed melodies.
This time, I’d like to introduce No.
7 from the set, “Eight Humoresques, Op.
101.” The key points of this piece are the score reading and the modulation section.
As for reading the score, it presents quite a challenge for beginners.
And then there’s the modulation: octaves appear suddenly, so be sure to warm up your fingers well before tackling it.
Farewell SongFrederic Chopin
One of the most beautiful works in the world, Frédéric Chopin’s “Farewell” (Etude Op.
10 No.
3).
I believe everyone has heard this piece at least once.
The highlight of this work is its exquisitely poignant melody that evokes nostalgia for one’s homeland.
As is often the case with Chopin’s music, it demands a high level of expressiveness, and the repeated chords call for advanced technique.
Developing expressive power while maintaining such technique is extremely important for improving your piano playing.
It isn’t an especially difficult piece, so intermediate and above players should definitely give it a try.
Piano Masterpieces: Pieces You Want to Listen to and Play! Beloved Classical Works (11–20)
Liebesträume No. 3 (Three Nocturnes): “Dreams of Love”Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, the great Hungarian composer who pioneered the New German School and the symphonic poem.
He was a composer who created a turning point in the classical world and left behind numerous masterpieces brimming with originality.
Among them, Liebesträume has long been cherished as an especially beautiful work.
Although it is widely loved as a soothing piano piece, it was originally composed as a song! In the piano version arranged by Liszt himself, the instrument’s unique timbre enables exquisitely delicate expression, masterfully brought to life.
Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 No. 7 “Träumerei”Robert Schumann
Let me introduce a masterpiece by Robert Schumann, a composer emblematic of the Romantic era.
Composed in 1838 and included in Scenes from Childhood, this piece is one of the most beloved in the collection, which is themed around adults reminiscing about their childhood.
As its German title meaning “dream” suggests, its unhurried melody and gentle atmosphere lull the listener into a dreamlike state.
Written with Schumann’s affection for Clara, whom he was soon to marry, the piece demands complex harmonies and a delicate touch, yet it holds a soothing, restorative beauty.
It is recommended for those who wish to forget the bustle of daily life and catch a glimpse of a rich inner landscape.
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, Op. 311, Third Movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
When it comes to the masterpieces of classical music genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this piece is indispensable.
It is actually the third movement of the Piano Sonata No.
11, but it is a popular work often performed on its own.
The left-hand accompaniment, modeled after a Turkish military band, is distinctive, giving it a brilliant and valiant character.
It is said to have been composed in 1783, the centennial year of the Siege of Vienna.
Though it is a demanding piece that requires both technique and stamina, the sense of accomplishment when you finish is exceptional.
Master this famous work with style and showcase the fruits of your practice to the fullest at your recital!
Gymnopédie No. 1Erik Satie
Erik Satie, the great composer who had a profound influence on Debussy and Ravel.
His Gymnopédie No.
1 is one of his most famous pieces.
The key challenge in this work is the left-hand leaps.
Overall, its difficulty is about the same as the latter pieces in Burgmüller, and the tempo is relaxed, but some players stumble over these jumps.
Memorizing the chords is another tricky aspect, making it a piece that can strengthen those skills as well.
Be sure to check it out.