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

Etude Allegro: A Duet Collection for ChildrenNakata Yoshinao

Etude Allegro “Recommended Pieces for Piano Recitals” Yoshinao Nakata – Etude Allegro – CANACANA

This piano duet in C major has a bright, energetic character and is a work that nurtures children’s musicality.

The sixteenth-note passages in the right hand develop technique for producing even tone, while the left hand sings the melody with expressive richness.

In the middle section, there is a modulation to A-flat major, requiring legato playing with the use of the pedal.

A brilliant glissando appears at the end, and since its publication in 1956, the piece has been popular for recitals and similar events.

It is recommended for those preparing repertoire for recitals or competitions, and it is also ideal for players seeking both technical improvement and enhanced musical expression.

Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Rikuto Wakabayashi — Mozart: Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st movement

Among Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano works, this piece is especially famous.

Even those who aren’t well-versed in classical music might say, “I know this melody!” Composed in June 1788 with piano learners in mind, it captivates with its bright and light character.

However, despite its familiarity, playing it beautifully is by no means easy.

It’s filled with essential techniques, such as maintaining balance with the left-hand accompaniment while keeping the right-hand melody even and well-articulated.

Performing such a renowned piece at a recital is sure to boost your confidence—and the sense of accomplishment when you master it is exceptional.

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

All-Japan Piano Competition 2022, Lower Elementary School Division, Gold Prize (Grand Prize): Haruto Yoshinaga

A well-loved collection of piano études, Johann Burgmüller’s landmark album 25 Études, Op.

100.

No.

20, “Tarantella,” is a passionate and exhilarating piece inspired by the traditional dance of southern Italy.

Its rapid passages and buoyant rhythms vividly conjure a scene of revelers dancing feverishly at a festival! Though it’s a dazzling, stage-ready work, precise control of each note is crucial.

Practice carefully by altering rhythms and breaking the piece into a few beats at a time.

It’s a wonderful challenge that fosters fingertip technique and expressive richness at the same time.

Impromptu, Op. 90 No. 4Franz Schubert

Impromptu in A-flat major, Op. 90 No. 4 (Schubert) – Schubert – Impromptu in A-flat major, Op. 90 No. 4 – pianomaedful

Franz Schubert’s Impromptu Op.

90 No.

4 captivates with its refined beauty brimming with elegance.

From the distinctive arpeggios of the opening, which evoke a sense of eternity, through the transition into the middle section in C-sharp minor, it invites listeners on a dreamlike musical journey.

For older children who want to take on a piece with a mature atmosphere at a recital, this elegant work offers a perfect chance to broaden their expressive range.

Its delicate yet powerful melody will further elevate the performance abilities of children in their developmental stage.

Estampes, No. 3: Gardens in the RainClaude Debussy

42nd Prizewinner Commemorative Concert, Category C [Gold Prize] Kaho Onishi / Debussy: “Estampes” — “Jardins sous la pluie”

The third piece, “Gardens in the Rain,” from Claude Debussy’s mid-period masterpiece Estampes, stimulates children’s imaginations with a melody based on a French nursery rhyme and richly shifting tone colors that evoke a rain-soaked garden.

Though its performance time is relatively short at about three minutes, it incorporates difficult elements in both technique and expression, so students should feel their growth as they practice for a recital.

By reflecting your own interpretation in the delicate dynamic control that is one of the work’s great attractions, you can feel Debussy’s watercolor-like world more intimately.

Brave SoldierCornelius Gurlitt

Brave Soldier / Gurlitt — Wilder Soldat / C. Gurlitt [Recommended for Piano Recitals]

With a march-like, powerful rhythm that tickles a boy’s heart, this piece fills you with energy as you listen.

Featured on the album “Album for Children,” it captivates with its clear melody and the left hand’s steady, pulsing accompaniment.

Its resonant sound shines on stage, while offering ample joy in performance.

The right hand’s melody unfolds dramatically, firmly supported by the left hand’s rhythm—an ideal structure for practice.

Combining cool flair with sheer fun, this work is a perfect fit for boys learning the piano.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “The Hunt”Johann Burgmüller

9. The Hunt / Burgmüller: 25 Progressive Pieces – No. 9 La Chasse – Classical Piano – CANACANA

This work beautifully harmonizes a light, flowing melody with a rhythmic accompaniment in 2/4 time.

It weaves an elegant sonic pattern inspired by the decorative motifs of Islamic art, creating a brilliant atmosphere when combined with its lively, march-like character.

The combination of a graceful right-hand sixteenth-note melody and left-hand staccato chords gleams like a sparkling jewel.

Published in Paris in 1851, the piece has long been cherished as an attractive work that sounds impressive despite its modest technical demands.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this radiant and graceful world of sound.