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

Études “30 Pieces for Children, Op. 27” No. 3Dmitri Kabalevsky

Kabalevsky: Etude

This compact piece, woven from a simple yet beguiling melody and dynamic rhythms, is one of the gems from “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” composed between 1937 and 1938 for young players.

The energetic right-hand melody and the powerful left-hand chords create a sonority that evokes a thrilling, dance-like spirit.

While containing elements of virtuosity, it is a piano miniature rich in expressive color.

Its conservative yet innovative chord progressions captivate listeners within a brief performance time.

Ideal for recitals and competitions, its accessible melody infused with elements of Russian folk music will resonate deeply with audiences.

18 Characteristic Etudes, Op. 109 No. 13 “The Great Thunderstorm”Johann Burgmüller

[Piano Recital Recommendation] The Thunderstorm ♫ Burgmüller / Orage, Burgmüller

No.

13 “The Great Thunderstorm” from Johann Burgmüller’s piano etudes 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109—by the composer best known for 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op.

100, which many piano learners tackle—is a perfect piece for a recital that leaves a strong impression.

Combining the dramatic interplay of stormy intensity and stillness with the sense of release like sunshine breaking through in the coda, this work makes a powerful impact on listeners.

For upper elementary school students, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore expressive nuance and emotional depth.

While honing technique, cherish the story of the piece and aim for a performance that breathes with life.

speed carNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Speedy Car ♫ Yoshinao Nakada / The Speedy Car, Yoshinao Nakada

This piece, often used as a piano practice work, is filled with a crisp rhythm and a lively sense of momentum.

It vividly evokes the feeling of a car speeding down the road, and it’s the kind of music that makes you smile as you play.

The effective use of performance markings such as accents and staccato makes it a compelling piece for learning technical elements like rhythmic precision and varied touch.

It’s a perfect choice for a boy to perform at a piano recital, inviting him to imagine scenes as he plays and capturing the audience’s hearts.

Highly recommended for those who want to create an energetic stage presence or develop expressive power through music.

Chase the mysteryJuhara Ryoko

Chase the Mystery / Ryoko Kihara R. Kihara [Recommended for Piano Recitals]

A piece characterized by a mysterious, thrilling atmosphere.

Its storyline-like structure, which unfolds gradually from a suspenseful introduction, creates a sense of immersion reminiscent of game or anime background music.

Though only about the difficulty level of completing Beyer, it skillfully weaves in rhythmic changes and harmonic progressions, resulting in a work that shines on stage.

Included in the album “Piano Land 5: Sing and Play with Your Teacher” and published by Ongaku No Tomo Sha in February 1992, this piece is beloved for allowing performers to express the music as if telling a story.

Highly recommended for those who want to perform at recitals or competitions.

With a powerful performance, it is sure to captivate the audience.

Dance of the SwineherdBartók Béla

RCM Piano 2015 Grade 8 List D No.2 Bartok Swineherd’s Dance Sheet Music

Motivated by Hungarian folk dances from the album For Children, this piece is one that especially highlights a boy’s cool, striking presence when performed.

The combination of lively, rhythmic keystrokes and a bouncy melody captivates the audience every time it’s played.

Although originally released in 1908 as an educational piano work, it also possesses a stage-ready brilliance and dynamism.

Because it is based on dances actually performed in rural Hungary, rhythm and expressiveness are essential.

It’s an ideal piece for a boy who has just awakened to the charm of the piano to cultivate his musicality through performance.

scramble crossinghashimoto kouichi

scramble crossing

This piece dynamically captures the hustle and bustle of the city, with a rhythmical, energetic melody that leaves a strong impression.

Built with 6/8 time and irregular meters, it skillfully depicts the ebb and flow of people at a busy intersection through music.

Featured on the album “I Still Love the Piano! ,” it was composed with Shibuya’s scramble crossing in mind, achieving an exquisite balance between melody and accompaniment.

Despite its brisk tempo, it allows for richly expressive performance, making it perfect for recitals.

Blending elements of classical and pop, its contemporary flair makes it stand out on stage.

It’s also recommended as a recital repertoire choice for boys looking for a cool piece.

Children’s Corner No. 1: “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum”Claude Debussy

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Hikari Matsushita Debussy: Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum

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.