[Piano Recital] Carefully Selected Classical Pieces Recommended for Upper Elementary School Students

Piano Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 No. 2, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Barenboim: Beethoven – Sonata No. 20 in G major, Op. 49 No. 2

A light, approachable piece Beethoven composed in his youth.

It features a simple melody and clear structure, with an elegance that seems to reflect Mozart’s influence.

Written between 1795 and 1796, this work exemplifies his early style.

It opens with a vigorous theme, followed by the unfolding of a graceful melody that soothes the listener.

While technically relatively easy, it’s a charming piece that still showcases Beethoven’s creativity, making it recommended even for upper elementary school students.

It’s also easy to perform at recitals and is popular for captivating audiences, so why not add it to your repertoire?

Piano Sonata No. 16, K. 545, First MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mao Fujita performs Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major No. 16, K. 545 – Verbier Festival 2021

Mozart, who left a brilliant legacy in the world of classical music.

Among his works, this piece is said to have been written for beginners, yet its lively rhythm and beautiful melody embody Mozart’s timeless charm.

It begins in the bright key of C major and is characterized by an accompaniment known as the Alberti bass.

For many people learning piano, it is one of the first sonatas they encounter, making it ideal for building foundational skills—recommended even for upper elementary students.

But beyond basic technique, it is a wonderful piece that conveys rich musical expression, so by all means, give it a try.

Préludes, Book I, No. 8: “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair”Claude Debussy

The Maiden with the Flaxen Hair / La fille aux cheveux de lin / Debussy / Classic Piano / CANACANA

Among the pieces in Claude Debussy’s Préludes, Book I, completed in 1910, La fille aux cheveux de lin has won wide acclaim for its gentle, lyrical melody.

Despite its short and easily memorable structure, it is sure to move listeners deeply and is perfect for recitals.

Debussy’s richly colored sound world can only be recreated when you have full control over your tone.

While building your technical foundation, don’t let your playing be confined to finger movements alone—mobilize your imagination to the fullest as you perform.

Polonaise No. 11 in G minor (Posthumous)Frederic Chopin

2010 Prizewinner Commemorative Natsuki Inagawa / Chopin: Polonaise in G minor, Op. posth.

Composed by Frédéric Chopin when he was just seven years old, the Polonaise No.

11 in G minor (posthumous) is a work that offers a glimpse of his budding genius.

Its familiar, appealing melody and structure—though brief—showcase a remarkable richness of pianistic expression.

Technically demanding passages are few, and by playing with careful touch and even tone, one can create a captivating performance, making it a piece that even young students with limited experience can readily attempt.

“To think Chopin wrote something like this when he was so much younger than I am now—he really was a genius!” It’s hard for children not to feel that way.

25 Etudes Op. 100-25 “The Lady’s Riding”Johann Burgmüller

25. Lady's Riding / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.25 La chevaleresque – Classical Piano - CANACANA

Johann Burgmüller, who was active during the Romantic era.

His work “25 Etudes, Op.

100” is widely beloved by piano learners.

This final piece of the set is characterized by a light, brilliant style.

It incorporates a variety of techniques, including staccato, legato, and scale passages.

Performing with the “gallop” image suggested by the title will help broaden your expressive range.

Published around 1841, this collection continues to be cherished by many pianists today.

It’s a recommended piece not only for those aiming to improve their piano technique but also for anyone who wants to enjoy a dazzling performance.

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

Turkish March / Mozart / Piano / CANACANA

A bright and brilliant masterpiece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Turkish March,” is perfect for a piano recital program.

Incorporating the rhythms of Turkish military music that were popular in Vienna at the time, this piece is characterized by its energetic, memorable melody and a left-hand accompaniment that beats out a percussion-like rhythm.

Although it’s a recital staple, the “Turkish March” actually contains many passages that demand advanced technique, such as runs in the Allegro and consecutive octaves.

It requires more focused practice than you might imagine, so be sure to work on it with the recital in mind.

Let’s aim for a performance that captivates listeners and showcases the full results of your daily practice!

Arabesque of WavesMiyoshi Akira

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / D Category Gold Prize: Reima Yonekura — Akira Miyoshi / Arabesque of the Waves

Akira Miyoshi’s piano solo work “Arabesque of the Waves” is characterized by the delicate yet colorful expression so typical of Miyoshi, who studied in France.

Though it’s a compact piece that can be performed in just under two minutes, the waves and evening moon painted by the right and left hands stir the imagination and draw listeners into the unique world of French music.

It’s an ideal piece for improving both technique and expressive ability, so why not take on the challenge of performing it at a recital?