Soft and loud.
Fast, flowing, energetic.
We’re always wondering what we should play next.
I haven’t worked on a new piece for a long time. So, when I found out that my friend Sonya loved grand, passionate pieces too– and she’d rather play on a Petrof than Steinway, like me– I asked her to spit her favourite pieces at me.
She sent me piano solos with grand, impressive runs (just my thing), but I’d never heard of some of them. Then I realized that I’d played some amazing piano solos that probably no one else has heard of either.
So I’m sharing my favourite Classical piano solos.
This is the type of piece I like to play.
It was always hard when I switched piano teachers but my style stayed the same.
There is a way of playing so deeply that you get lost— it’s almost easy.
This is a collection of more advanced Classical piano solos, that challenge technique and musicality.
The videos and sheet music are included. Feel free to share these with a friend!
Grand & Flowing Piano Solos
This one is my favourite of all time, to play– she plays the beginning too quickly here for me to swoon, but not that I ever swoon:
Polanaise in C# Minor – Chopin
Sheet Music
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Gitanerias – Lecuona
Sheet Music
This is out of print everywhere except here— I looked hard a few years ago.
I focussed on the melody more than intense speed in this one. And I had to try not to pound on the piano.
Un Sospiro – Liszt
Sheet Music
Grande Valse Brilliante – Chopin
Sheet Music
I had to work on the light, repeated notes a lot. I had a problem with tension in my wrists. But it was grand and boisterous so I loved it.
Prelude No. 6 – Rachmaninoff
Sheet Music
The trick here is to practice the left hand by itself until it flows like a melody.
Lastly, I’ve decided that this will be my newest project (can’t believe I haven’t played this yet). This isn’t from Sonya, but it’s still awesome.
Prelude No. 5, Op. 23 – Rachmaninoff
Sheet Music
What are your favourite piano solos? Leave a comment below!
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mine are: “Concerto #1 in C” (Beethoven)
“Concerto K. 212 in A” (Mozart)
any sonata by Beethoven
“Preludein C# Minor” and “Lilies” by Rachmaninoff
several Intermezzi by Brahms
“Reverie” by Debussy
I happened across your site it while searching for something about Petrof pianos. By the way, I also prefer them to Steinways. I can only afford an upright Petrof, but the action and sound is superior to that of many grands I’ve played. I played a Petrof grand and few years ago and fell in love. I wanted to share my list, since we have a few in common and you might like some of the ones I mention. In no particular order: Chopin: Polonaise in F# minor, Op. 44; any of the Ballades, but F minor is my favorite… Read more »
Hey Thomas, thanks for sharing. That’s a great list. I have to look into Granados– I haven’t played any of his music yet. He has a cool moustache, and that one’s a great piece.
Motivations would be an interesting post; thanks for the suggestion. I’ll keep that in mind.
Rach’s Musical Moment #4, which I can’t play at the point of a gun. Still love it, though.
I dont particularly have a favourite, all of these pieces are amazing. If I had to choose though, I would say Rachmaninoffs prelude in c sharp minor, which I am currently playing, and which i hope to play in my high school Catholic Performing Arts Festival next year.
Love these suggestions. I’ve already learned two of these so your list is definitely to my taste. I’m going to start on one of the others from the list right away! Here are my suggestions for you: Khachaturian – Toccata https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBkz2A1z8xM This is quite hypnotic to play and sends me almost into a meditative state. It’s incredibly satisfying to play, especially those sections up and down the piano at about 2 minutes in and 2:50 ish. Brahms, Rhapsody op 79 no1. Gorgeous. So flowing and expressive, with a lovely lyrical bit in the middle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgcOhcEDBBo Debussy, Jardins sous la pluie.… Read more »
Lucilla, great suggestions. You’re right, we have similar taste. I’ll look into including these in a future article! Perhaps even a video. :)
Here’s my all-time favorite: Auf Flugeln Des Gesanges, arranged by Franz Liszt. I came across this song completely by accident, and when what I heard wasn’t Mendelssohn’s original, I almost left the page. The beauty of this song stopped me in my tracks! I knew then that I had to learn it immediately, and I did. Liszt knows how to make a piano sing like no other! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fGf_AH4Abs
Liszt is one of my favourite composers of all time! Thanks.
The keyboard Toccata in D Major by J.S. Bach is very grand and virtuosic!
P.S. Lovely website!
Bwv 912
Some fun ones I’ve enjoyed are: Holberg Suite by Grieg – so many different moods and just fun to play. Chopin piano concertos- I love both of them, but what can I say, Chopin is my favorite. The Ballades he wrote are amazing as well, but require more discipline. And the Scherzos. ahhhh. Rachmaninoff concerto #3- I learned the 2nd movement because I just love the harmonies and haunting melodies. Rachmaninoff is my 2nd favorite, or it may be a tie… Elegy is also nice by him, and the Preludes. Chopin Etudes- Aeolian Harp, and I think #4? is beautiful… Read more »