Have you dreamed of playing more advanced piano solos but feel too intimidated to tackle tougher classical music?
If so, then you’re in the right place!
Although there are many charming beginner classical piano pieces out there, most beginner pianists dream of playing more difficult pieces.
Easy pieces can be fun, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about working to master a piece you previously thought was unattainable.
Surpassing your own expectations regarding your piano skills is an intoxicating feeling that’s tough to beat!
Today’s post uncovers some of the most beautiful music in the advanced piano repertoire.
Use these pieces as inspiration for compiling your bucket list of “maybe one day” piano music.
And if you’re ready to turn “maybe one day” into today, keep reading to discover my favorite resource for learning classical piano music.
This resource is fantastic regardless of whether you want to play lyric pieces composed for beginners or an early advanced piano solo.
Thanks to this resource, which I discovered several years ago, I’ve been able to improve my piano performance skills significantly!
Let’s get to it!
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My Piano Journey
Before we launch into the most beautiful advanced piano songs ever composed, let me take a minute to talk about my piano journey.
I started lessons at the age of 7 and immediately fell in love with the instrument!
Although I was never the best at regular practice (until more recently!), I stuck with it throughout high school and eventually studied piano at the college level as well.
My full-time career took a different trajectory, but I continue to be passionate about playing the piano and helping others discover a love for the instrument.
I’ve studied with a few piano teachers over the years, but due to a busy schedule, I have been structuring my own learning since college.
It was actually thanks to a packed schedule that I discovered the resource I mentioned above (details below!) and haven’t looked back since!
I also love compiling top practice hacks, so please check the links at the bottom for posts that will help you on your piano journey.
Liebestraum No. 3 in A-flat Major – Franz Liszt
How can a piece whose title loosely translates to Dreams of Love NOT be stunning!?
Number 3, which is the most famous, is one of 3 nocturnes published by Liszt in 1850.
The entire piece requires careful attention to voicing a gorgeous melody amidst various moving lines between the left and right hand.
Master this one, and you’re guaranteed to make your sweetheart swoon!
Click here to buy the sheet music for this piece.
Nocturne in C Minor, Op. 48, No. 1 – Frýdýric Chopin
This next one had been on my “maybe one day” list for several years until I recently decided to transition it to “today.”
The piece starts with a deceptively simple melody and harmonic accompaniment, but in true Chopin style, it doesn’t stay this way.
After a lyrical beginning, the piece transitions to a middle section reminiscent of a hymn arrangement.
It’s truly peaceful.
Similar to the first piece, this nocturne requires careful attention to voicing, especially in the last section, which also happens to be my favorite section!
Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy
This next one is a beautiful piece that hails from the Impressionistic period of classical music composition.
Clair de Lune is the 3rd movement of a larger suite and is the most famous of the three.
It was composed in the early 1900s and, similar to the others on the list, requires careful attention to the melody line.
Click here to buy the sheet music for this piece.
Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major “Waldstein” – Ludwig van Beethoven
Although written in a notoriously easy key signature, this piece is anything but simple.
This piece, composed in the early 1800s, is widely considered one of Beethoven’s most difficult sonatas.
Despite its technical intricacies, this piece is gorgeous and takes less than 30 minutes to perform all three movements.
Click here to buy the sheet music for this piece.
Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 1 – Frýdýric Chopin
After seeing the movie “The Pianist” for the first time, I fell for this piece. Hard.
I would say that I’m a sucker for anything in a minor key signature which might be why I love this one so much.
And in case you’ve questioned my status as a “piano nerd” in the past, I do have a favorite key signature and it most certainly is G minor.
This one gets my vote for one of the most beautiful piano songs ever written!
Un Sospiro – Franz Liszt
In terms of technical intricacies, Un Sospiro ranks right up there with some of the most difficult piano repertoire ever composed.
But when played well, it’s absolutely divine!
If you’re aspiring to play this piece, scroll down to uncover my best resource for learning classical piano music!
Click here to buy the sheet music for this piece.
Elegie in Eb Minor – Sergei Rachmaninoff
I’ve saved the best for last in this most beautiful classical piano music list.
The Elegie in Eb Minor is not one of Rachmaninoff’s more well-known works but is, hands down, the most beautiful and showcases his mastery of lyrical melodies.
An “elegie” is a poem that evokes deep reflection and often involves mourning for the deceased.
Although written in a difficult key signature, the challenge in performing this piece actually lies in your ability to convey a sense of deep longing.
Listen carefully, and you’ll hear that sense of mourning in both the beginning and ending sections, with a slight moment of joyous remembrance in the middle.
Click here to buy the sheet music for this piece.
Best Resource for Learning Classical Piano Music
You’re not alone if you struggle to fit regular piano lessons into your chaotic life!
Learning a musical instrument is the journey of a lifetime and sometimes takes twists and turns that you never anticipate.
Although this resource certainly doesn’t replace the valuable feedback you get from a teacher, it does help bridge the gap between that “maybe one day” list and today.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to Dr. Josh Wright!
Dr. Wright earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano from the University of Michigan and is a Billboard #1 artist.
He has won multiple prizes in international piano competitions, performed with several symphony orchestras, and currently maintains an active YouTube channel.
His program, ProPractice, was created to help students worldwide learn and perfect classical piano repertoire.
I’ve been a member of his community for over 5 years and truly appreciate all the insight I’ve gained from his patient teaching.
ProPractice membership also gives you access to an active and supportive Facebook group where you can ask questions and interact with other amateur pianists.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Wright or his ProPractice program. I am eternally grateful for its impact on my playing!
Whether you’re a beginner, early intermediate, or advanced pianist, you’ll find something of value in the program.
If you’re interested in learning more about ProPractice, check out my previous post A Complete Review of ProPractice by Dr. Josh Wright.
Aside from the last piece, Elegie in Eb Minor, Dr. Wright includes all the other abovementioned pieces in his program, with new songs regularly added.
And who knows!? Maybe Elegie will be finding its way on the list very soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most advanced piano song?
Opinions on this vary, but my vote for the most advanced piano song goes to Jeux d’eau by Maurice Ravel.
Composed in 1901, successful performance of this piece requires an array of highly advanced techniques by the pianist.
Jeux d’eau features complex textures and a chord progression that will challenge even the most advanced pianists.
This piece is absolutely stunning when played well, but it requires advanced techniques to successfully achieve vast dynamic ranges between the right and left hands, specific wrist and finger positioning to elicit a distinct sound, and intricacies of pedaling to enhance the sound without becoming muddy.
Who is the most skilled living pianist?
Again, opinions on this vary, but I consider Yuja Wang to be the most skilled pianist currently performing classical works.
Her depth of expression and ability to make complex compositions sing is simply unmatched.
Check out this video for her performance of one of my all-time favorite classical pieces!
What makes a song hard to play on piano?
Several factors make a song hard to play on piano.
Sometimes, it’s a challenging key signature.
Pieces written at a fast tempo tend to also be tougher to play than slower ones, but not always.
Complex harmonic structures are another factor complicating piano music.
At its core, music is the expression of emotion, and this can make piano music incredibly challenging to execute successfully.
When is it too late to learn to play the piano?
Never! Research shows that there are incredible benefits that come from learning to play an instrument.
Practicing the piano has far-reaching benefits, even if you never aspire to play Carnegie Hall!
Check the resource list below this post if you’re ready to launch your piano journey!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re entirely new to the piano or are currently playing pieces at intermediate levels, I hope this post has inspired you to expand your musical horizons!
There are so many incredible benefits that come with learning to play various instruments, not least of which is the ability to set and achieve goals.
And with programs like ProPractice, learning to play piano has never been more accessible!
If you’re looking for more resources on learning to play the piano, check out a few of my previous posts.
- How to Get Better at Piano: Tips to Improve Your Playing
- 5 Tips for the Best Ways to Practice Piano Scales
- Simple Tips to Have More Fun Playing Piano This Year!
- 8 Most Beautiful Classical Piano Songs Ever Composed
- 13 Easy Classical Piano Songs for Adult Beginners
- 25 Tips for How to Stay Focused When Playing the Piano
- How to Stay Motivated to Play Piano: Practice Tips
- 13 Piano Tips for Adult Beginners
- How to Practice Piano with Modacity: The Ultimate Guide
- Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Piano Practice Routine
And if you’re interested in weekly inspiration via your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!
Until next time, happy practicing!
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