What's your favorite piece of piano music? Narrowing it down is difficult: there are so many to choose from! Here are 10 of the most popular, listed in alphabetical order.
Please note that clicking on the headings or pictures will take you to a download page where you can access either an mp3 or midi file for each of the pieces listed.
1. Bach - Minuet in G
A lovely little piece that's not difficult to play but always makes you feel good. If ever there was a "happy" song, this is it.
2. Bach - Prelude No. 1 in C from the Well-tempered Clavier
One of Bach's most-often performed preludes. It was taken by Gounod and used as the accompaniment for his "Ave Maria." Notice the arpeggios used as the foundation for the whole piece.3. Beethoven - Fur Elise
For some reason, every pupil I've taught wanted to learn this piece. It's fun to play but it's a lot longer than most people think. There are some tricky bits as well, so make sure you practice them separately.
4. Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata
Another classic that everybody has a go at. Most people are familiar with the first slow movement, but because it's in the key of C# minor it's more of an intermediate piece than one for a beginner.5. Brahms - Hungarian Dance
A great piece to get your feet tapping. This is one of those tunes you want to play really fast. It's got a real gypsy atmosphere to it and makes you feel good when you've successfully mastered it.
6. Chopin - Prelude in A Op. 28, No. 7
Chopin's Prelude is quite a simple piece, although the chords can be tricky at first. It's in the key of A major, so it's perfect for intermediate levels. Like most great pieces, it's fun to play slowly or quickly, depending on your mood. Although it's called a prelude, it's in 3/4 time and feels a lot like a waltz.
7. Debussy - Claire de Lune
On the face of it, this seems like an easy little piece. However, it's in the key of D flat major, and there are lots of spots where the music modulates to places you don't think it's going to. A great way to introduce yourself to Impressionism.
8. Joplin - The Entertainer
Another all-time favorite is Scott Joplin's classic "The Entertainer." Nice to have a bit of ragtime in the mix. This is not a difficult piece to play, but like everything else it's difficult to play well. Being in the key of C makes it a bit easier, though.
9. Mozart - Turkish March
The "Turkish March" in A minor is one of those pieces you just have to play. It's not that easy, especially if you want to get it up to speed. There's lots of fancy finger work that needs control to play well, but it's rewarding when you do eventually get it right.
10. Rachmaninoff - Prelude in C# Minor Op. 3, No. 2
As usual with Rachmaninoff, there are loads of big chords for both hands. It takes dedication to conquer this one. It's worth it in the end, though, as this is another of those pieces that makes you feel like you're bringing thunder down from the skies.
