Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced pianist, classical music offers a wide range of pieces that can both challenge and inspire you. We have gathered a list of the famous classical piano pieces for your skill level. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, find new inspiration, or simply enjoy some beautiful music, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s begin!
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Beginner classical piano songs
Learning easy classical piano songs is a great starting point for any beginner pianist. Pieces like Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and Bach’s “Prelude in C Major” are simple yet beautiful, helping new players build confidence and technique.
1. William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini
The William Tell Overture is a composition by Gioachino Rossini, best known as the theme music for the radio and television shows “The Lone Ranger.” The overture is an energetic and dramatic piece that features a strong and memorable theme, which is often associated with the Swiss folk hero William Tell. The overture is in four parts and finishes with a famous and powerful finale known as the “March of the Swiss Soldiers.”
Tips for playing the song:
- This piece contains relatively quick note repetitions on the right hand melody. Pay attention to your body and make sure you’re not adding tension to your hands while playing it.
- This piece is most exciting at faster tempos, but there’s no rush in playing it fast right away. Make sure you can play the piece at a moderate pace and increasingly change the speed to challenge yourself.
- Listen to the orchestral version and try to imitate the original instruments with the articulations you apply to each note.
2. Brahms’ Lullaby by Johannes Brahms
This famous piano song is a staple of classical piano music and one of the most recognized lullabies in the world. Its gentle melody and soothing harmonies make it an excellent piece for beginner pianists looking to develop expressive playing.
Tips for playing the song:
- Focus on creating a smooth, flowing melody with a soft and even touch.
- Pay attention to the dynamics, ensuring a gentle rise and fall to maintain the lullaby’s calming character.
- Practice the left-hand accompaniment separately to ensure balance between the melody and harmony.
3. The Spring by Antonio Vivaldi
Vivaldi’s “The Spring” is part of his famous multi-movement work, “The four seasons”. This arrangement introduces yet another challenge, helping you get used to playing with both hands simultaneously. In other words, it consists of melody and accompaniment.
Tips for playing the song:
- Start by familiarizing yourself with the score. Take note of the melody and rhythm to get a sense of the overall arc of the song.
- Practice each melody and accompaniment separately. This will help you become comfortable with the tune and get a sense of how both parts fit together.
- Practice playing the piece at different tempos. Vivaldi’s The Spring is a lively and upbeat piece, but the tempo can be adjusted to suit different interpretations.
4. Für Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven
One of the most famous classical piano songs, Beethoven’s “Für Elise” is a timeless piece loved by pianists of all skill levels. Its iconic opening theme is both elegant and approachable, making it a popular choice for beginners and intermediate players alike.
Tips for playing the song:
- Start by mastering the right-hand melody with a clear, flowing touch, paying attention to the ornamentations.
- Practice the left-hand arpeggios separately to ensure smoothness and even timing.
- Use the sustain pedal sparingly to enhance the sound without muddying the notes.
5. Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The main theme from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” ballet is one of the most recognizable pieces of famous classical piano music. Its hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies make it a favorite for pianists and listeners alike.
Tips for playing the song:
- Focus on the flowing melody in the right hand and maintain a delicate touch for expressive playing.
- Ensure evenness and clarity in the left-hand accompaniment, keeping it supportive but not overpowering.
- Pay close attention to the dynamics and phrasing to convey the emotional depth of the piece.
Intermediate classical piano songs
Intermediate classical piano songs are ideal for beginners ready to progress. Pieces like Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca” and Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” are popular choices, while Liszt’s “Liebestraum Nº 3” and Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” add a touch of elegance and drama. Here are four intermediate-level classic piano pieces that will challenge and improve your skills, all part of Skoove’s Intermediate Songs course:
6. Minuet by Johann Sebastian Bach
“Minuet” by Johann Sebastian Bach is one among many easy piano songs which are classic , with a nice and simple melody that provides a good introduction to playing classical music in the key of G major. This lesson focuses on passing a single melody back-and-forth between both hands.
Tips for playing the song
- Pay attention to the hand and finger positioning to ensure that you are playing the piano keys correctly and comfortably. You will find fingering suggestions in the Skoove lesson, which can help you avoid injuries or bad practicing habits.
- Start slow. Don’t rush, take your time with the piece and focus on playing it correctly before increasing the tempo.
- As with every piece you practice, listen to recordings of the piece to get a sense of the phrasing and interpretation.
7. Rondo Alla Turca by W. A. Mozart
“Rondo Alla Turca”, also known as “Turkish Rondo,” is a piano piece composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is the third and final movement of his Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331. The piece is known for its lively and energetic melody in the Turkish style, which was popular in Europe at the time of its composition.
Tips for playing the song:
- Practice each melodic phrase separately, making sure to play cleanly and at a steady tempo.
- Use the sustain pedal sparingly and only when it enhances the music.
- Record yourself and listen to the playback to identify any areas that need improvement.
- Have fun and enjoy playing one of Mozart’s most famous works!
8. In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” is a dramatic and powerful piece of music composed by Edvard Grieg as part of his incidental music for the play “Peer Gynt.” It is characterized by its fast-paced, repeating motifs and building dynamics, creating a sense of tension and climax. The piece is often associated with its eerie and otherworldly atmosphere.
Tips for playing the song:
- Pay attention to the dynamics, as the piece starts out soft and gradually builds to a climax.
- Practice the repeating motifs and patterns to ensure they are played accurately and with proper phrasing.
- Listen to recordings of the piece and pay attention to the use of staccato articulations in the melody.
9. Liebestraum Nº 3 by Franz Liszt
The third movement of Schubert’s “Liebestraum” is a solo piano piece, characterized by its joyful and triumphant celebration of love. It features a lively and upbeat melody, virtuosic passages and rich harmonies that give the impression of happiness and exaltation. This movement is often considered as one of the most popular among the three, and also the most recognizable one.
Tips for playing the song:
- Work on the phrasing. The phrasing in this movement is very important for creating a flowing and expressive performance.
- The dynamics in the 3rd movement of Liebestraum are constantly changing. Practice playing the melody at different dynamics, and make sure you can create a smooth transition between them.
- The accompaniment in this movement is simple but important. Make sure you can play it comfortably and in time with the melody.
- Listen to recordings of professional pianists playing the 3rd movement of Liebestraum. This will give you an idea of how the piece should sound and also give you some ideas on how to interpret the music.
10. Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie
One of the most famous piano songs in classical music, Satie’s “Gymnopédie No. 1” is a minimalist masterpiece. Its simple, repetitive melody and dreamy harmonies make it both accessible and profoundly evocative, perfect for intermediate pianists looking to explore emotional depth in their playing.
Tips for playing the song:
- Use a soft and consistent touch to achieve the gentle, flowing quality that defines the piece.
- Focus on the pedal technique to create smooth transitions between chords and maintain a dreamy atmosphere.
- Practice playing at a slow, steady tempo to highlight the meditative nature of the music.
Advanced classical piano songs
Here are four classical piano pieces from Skoove’s Advanced Classic course, which will help you showcase your skills as a pianist, or on a virtual piano. For those who have honed their skills and are ready for a challenge, advanced classical piano songs offer a chance to push technical boundaries and dive deeper into emotional expression. Pieces like Chopin’s “Nocturne in E-flat Major” and Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” demand mastery of dynamics, phrasing, and nuanced interpretation. These works are ideal for showcasing your artistry and demonstrating your command of the instrument.
11. Nocturne in E-flat major classic piece by Friedrich Chopin
“Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2” is a solo piano piece composed by Frédéric Chopin. It is a slow and contemplative piece, featuring a beautiful and melodic main theme. It is often played as a standalone piece, but also as a part of Chopin’s set of Nocturnes.
Tips for playing the song:
- Practice playing the melody with a soft and legato touch to achieve the smooth, singing quality that is characteristic of Chopin’s nocturnes.
- Practice the left hand arpeggios and chords separately, paying attention to the cleanliness of the notes and the smoothness of the transitions between them.
- Take time to experiment with different pedal techniques to create the desired effect of blending the notes together.
12. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy
This classical piano piece was composed by Claude Debussy, and it’s the third movement of his “Suite Bergamasque”. The piece is known for its dreamy and atmospheric qualities, featuring a lush and harmonically rich melody. It’s a very popular piece in the classical repertoire and often featured in movie and tv show soundtracks.
Tips for playing the song:
- Practice playing the melody with a soft and fluid touch to achieve the dreamy, impressionistic quality that is characteristic of Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.”
- Take note of the frequent use of rubato, or the slight deviation from strict tempo for expressive effect. Experiment with different degrees of rubato to find the interpretation that feels most natural to you.
- Take note of the use of dissonance and unresolved piano chords in the piece and experiment with different ways of approaching these harmonic elements to create the desired effect.
13. Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Van Beethoven
The first movement of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” is a slow and contemplative movement, featuring a melancholic and evocative melody that is played over a repeating harmonic pattern. The movement is known for its emotional expressiveness and it requires a high level of technical skill and control from the pianist. The movement is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding movements of the entire sonata and it is essential for advanced pianists to master it.
Tips for playing the song:
- Pay close attention to the dynamics, particularly the crescendos and diminuendos and practice creating a gradual increase or decrease in volume to enhance the emotional expressiveness of the piece.
- Take note of the use of silence and space in the piece, and practice to create a sense of tension and release.
14. Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846 by Johann Sebastian Bach
This timeless piece from “The Well-Tempered Clavier” is one of the most famous classical piano songs and serves as an excellent example of Bach’s contrapuntal mastery. Its flowing arpeggios require precise finger control and dynamic sensitivity.
Tips for playing the song:
- Focus on achieving an even and smooth tone across all notes in the arpeggios.
- Use dynamic shading to bring out the natural rise and fall of the harmonic progression.
- Practice at a slower tempo to ensure clarity and control before gradually increasing speed.
15. Eine kleine Nachtmusik – Little Night Music by W. A. Mozart
This joyful and iconic serenade is one of Mozart’s most famous classical piano pieces. While originally composed for a chamber ensemble, it adapts beautifully to the piano, showcasing Mozart’s genius for melody and balance.
Tips for playing the song:
- Pay attention to articulation, ensuring crisp and precise notes, especially in the faster sections.
- Emphasize the playful, dance-like character of the music through dynamic contrast.
- Study the phrasing to highlight the elegance and charm inherent in the composition.
Conclusion
Classical piano music offers an incredible journey, from mastering common classical piano songs to tackling the most famous and intricate works. Each piece, whether it’s a beginner-friendly classic like “Ode to Joy” or an advanced masterpiece like “Clair de Lune,” brings unique challenges and rewards. By exploring these famous piano songs, you’ll not only develop your technical skills but also deepen your appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical music. So, whether you’re playing “Canon in D” or conquering Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” you can find them all on the Skoove app. Embrace the joy of creating music that has inspired generations. Happy playing!
FAQ
How to practice learning classical songs on piano?
Classical music can be extremely rewarding to learn, but if the piece you’re practicing is too challenging, it can be easy to develop bad technique habits or risk getting injured. The key is to be mindful of your body, and notice if your body is tense while playing.
Which digital piano is best for classical music?
You can play classical music on any piano. That said, your technique will be better suited if you practice on a weighted-key piano. Additionally, the more advanced the piece, the more likely it will require a wider range. Therefore, 88-key pianos work best for advanced and intermediate players.
Why was the piano preferred in classical music?
The piano is a highly versatile instrument — it allows a single person to simultaneously play multiple piano notes, melodic and accompaniment layers, and can produce interesting textures with the pedals.
For this and many other reasons, composers have historically found it an ideal instrument for composition and performance, consequently resulting in a vast body of piano repertoire.
How long must you take piano lessons to play classical?
Each person’s learning curve is different. What is most important is that you choose the correct piece to work on depending on your level, develop a steady practice routine, and spend your practice time mindfully.
Since Skoove has many online piano lessons based on skill level, so you can easily explore and find out what your level is.
Does Skoove have separate courses for classical music?
Yes! Skoove has multiple courses for classical music, including the Beginner Classical Songs, Neoclassical Music, Advanced Classic courses, and many more!
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team
