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

Children’s Corner Suite, No. 4: The Snow Is DancingClaude Debussy

Debussy / Children's Corner No. 4: The Snow Is Dancing / Performed by Ichiro Kaneko

The piano suite Children’s Corner by the French composer Claude Debussy was composed with the aim of letting adults immerse themselves in a childlike mood.

The fourth piece, “The Snow Is Dancing,” is said to depict snow sprites drifting down and covering the ground with white velvet.

The calm tone may perhaps express children gazing on in wonder, thinking, “What are the fairies doing?” Why not listen to it on a quiet night as the snow falls steadily, absentmindedly gazing out the window?

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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?

“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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Trepak from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky

The Nutcracker – Trepak (Russian Dance) / Tchaikovsky | Piano The Nutcracker / P. I. Tchaikovsky

The Russian Dance appearing in Act II of The Nutcracker by Pyotr Tchaikovsky was received so enthusiastically that it was encored at the suite’s premiere in March 1892.

Characterized by a driving, breathless momentum in 2/4 time and a strong, Cossack-style rhythm, it has been featured in Disney’s Fantasia and in video game music, making it beloved across generations.

Though short, the piece radiates exuberant energy—perfect for livening up a party or expressing the festive spirit of Christmas.

Played on the piano, it offers a different kind of vitality and brilliance from the orchestral version.

Preludes, Book I: No. 6 “Footprints in the Snow”Claude Debussy

Préludes, Book I – No. 6: Footprints in the Snow (Debussy)

A masterpiece that captures the stillness of winter, and one of Claude Debussy’s signature works.

Completed in December 1909, this piece is filled with delicate expressiveness in the piano’s timbre, evoking footprints in the snow and encapsulating the allure of Impressionist music.

The chill and solitude of snow, and even the tremors of the heart, are vividly portrayed through the repeating rhythms and wavering harmonies.

Showcasing Debussy’s innovative techniques, this work is recommended for those who wish to contemplate winter scenes or spend a quiet moment.

Listen at a leisurely pace, and you may feel as though you’re walking through a snowy landscape.

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.