[Piano] Classic masterpieces you’ll want to listen to and play in winter

Transcendental Études, S.139 No. 12 “Snowstorm”Franz Liszt

List: Transcendental Etude No. 12 “Snowstorm” [Naxos Classic Curation #Melancholic]

Transcendental Études, S.139, composed by Franz Liszt—the piano magician whose works demand exceptional virtuosity.

Among them, the piece regarded as the pinnacle of difficulty is No.

12, “Chasse-neige” (Snowstorm).

The quietly falling snow gradually gains force, erupting into a blinding blizzard! The lightning-fast repeated notes, executed with transcendental technique, evoke the unpredictable ferocity of nature.

Starting with “Chasse-neige,” Liszt’s études are all extraordinarily challenging works.

With more time spent at home during the winter, it might be a great opportunity to sit down and carefully practice them on the piano.

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Lullaby in D-flat major, Op. 57Frederic Chopin

Chopin Berceuse Op 57 D Flat Major

A Chopin masterpiece that evokes the stillness and beauty of winter.

Composed in 1844, this work consists of sixteen brief variations based on a delicate lullaby-like melody.

The tranquil environment of George Sand’s villa in Nohant, where he spent time, likely stirred Chopin’s creative spirit.

Distinguished by its graceful atmosphere, it layers ornate melodies over a repeating bass line, enveloping the listener in a sense of warmth.

Technically demanding, it also makes an excellent addition to a pianist’s repertoire.

On a quiet winter night, try listening to it before bed.

“The Four Seasons” — 12 Character Sketches: December “Christmas”Pyotr Tchaikovsky

“December – Christmas” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons” (Olga Scheps live)

The Seasons – 12 Characteristic Pieces, in which Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky depicts the sights of a year in his homeland through twelve piano pieces.

In December, “Christmas,” the warm, lively atmosphere of the holiday is portrayed over a buoyant waltz rhythm.

Listening to this piece will make not only Christmas Day itself, but also the preparations—thinking about gifts, decorating the tree, and baking cakes—even more enjoyable! It’s a work that brings a cozy warmth to the harsh cold of winter.

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Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 38: In Winter Time IRobert Schumann

Jörg Demus plays Schumann Album für die Jugend Op.68 – 38. Winterzeit I

Album for the Young, written in 1848 by Robert Schumann—one of the leading composers of 19th-century Germany—includes a short piano piece themed around winter.

Although it spans only 16 measures, it carries Schumann’s distinctive Romantic atmosphere, portraying the quiet and chill of winter with a gentle yet introspective melody.

For piano learners, it’s an ideal piece to refine dynamic control and expressive nuance.

Why not play or listen to it at a relaxed pace during the winter season, and experience Schumann’s delicate sensibility?

Song Cycle “Winterreise,” No. 1 “Good Night,” S.561 R.246Schubert=Liszt

Schubert–Liszt: Gute Nacht (Winterreise) / Schubert–Liszt: “Good Night” from Winterreise

Winterreise, the song cycle Franz Schubert composed a year before his death, was arranged for solo piano by Liszt.

It depicts a heartbroken young man leaving his hometown on a winter night, suffused with a quiet, melancholic atmosphere.

Preserving Schubert’s beautiful melodies while adding Liszt’s characteristic pianistic virtuosity, the work gains even greater depth.

Through the piano alone, it superbly conveys the stillness and chill of the falling snow, as well as the protagonist’s despair.

Why not listen to it on a winter night while gazing out the window?

Ave verum corpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: Ave Verum Corpus — Pianist Yuki Kondo

This motet was composed by the great master of classical music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in the final year of his life.

Though only 46 measures long, it is distinguished by a sublime melody that evokes profound emotion.

The text, praising the true body born of the Virgin Mary, conveys a message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

While written for chorus with strings and organ, its beauty can be fully appreciated on the piano as well.

It’s a recommended piece for those who wish to find calm in the stillness of winter.

Experience this gem of a masterpiece that distills the essence of Mozart’s genius.

Ave Verum CorpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus – Piano Arrangement & Sheet Music

The Eucharistic hymn Mozart wrote in June 1791 was dedicated to the Kapellmeister of a church whose friendship supported his wife’s convalescence at an Austrian resort.

Despite its simple scoring for SATB mixed chorus, string ensemble, and organ, the mature mastery of his late period shines through as serene words of prayer are enfolded in transparent harmonies.

Numerous piano transcriptions also survive, including arrangements by Franz Liszt and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

With its solemn yet warm melody, it will deeply soothe listeners when played on the piano on a quiet Christmas night.

It is also recommended for performances at worship services and home parties.