Ten Classical Piano Pieces Every Piano Student Should Recognize

When was the last time you listened to classical music? Do you  have classical music on your playlist in the car or at home? 

What actually counts as classical music:
The definition of classical music is a bit vague. The classical period was approximately between 1750 to 1820, so music that was written in those years is considered to be in the classical style. But generally, when people refer to classical music they mean (mostly) European- style music written from around the 15th century to the 20th century that is highly structured and complex both to the player and to the listener. 

Why listen to classical music? 
In today's popular culture classical music tends to get  pushed aside and labeled as either too sophisticated and complex or simply out of date. However, numerous studies have shown how beneficial listening to music is. Classical music has a wonderful influence on the nerves, the brain and the emotions. (See The Mozart effect) 

The first step in being able to play classical music is being acquainted with it as a listener. Just like it is rewarding and fun to play popular music you know, once you find the classical music you would love to play you can work towards being able to doing it. 

Turn the car into a classical music zone
Below is a list of some of the most famous classical  music pieces written for piano solo. You may want to start off with some orchestra music or piano concertos, but piano students often find the solo piano music easier to connect to. 
It would be a good idea to have at least some of these pieces on an easily accessible device, so that you and your family can listen to them regularly. Some people have decided to turn the car into a classical music zone for the family and have the music ready at a click for the car ride. After a while the kids discover what pieces or composers they like and a bridge is built into a world that seemed out of their reach beforehand. 

Here are 10 pieces you could have on your classical piano music play list to start with.
These are all very well known pieces that are often played in movies, making them a good way to begin the journey into the world of classical music. The list is in chronological order of the composer's birth years.

1. Bach Prelude and fugue in C major
2. Mozart Rondo Alla Turca
3. Beethoven Moonlight sonata
4.Beethoven Für Elise (the full version, not just the extremely well known beginning)
5.Chopin Waltz C# minor
6.Chopin Nocturne opus 9 number 2 
7. Brahms Rhapsody in B minor op 79 no 1
8. Liszt Liebestraum 
9. Rachmaninoff Prelude G minor op 23
10. Debussy Claire de Lune

If your 10 piece list of classical piano pieces would be different, that's fine. Create the playlist that suits you and expand from there. I would love to know what pieces you have on your list! You can send me a message, share in the comments here or on Facebook.

Happy listening,
Nurit Reuveni

Pianoways on Facebook
Related Posts
- 7 Great Reasons for Learning the Piano
- How Much Talent do You Need to Play the Piano?


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