Frédéric Chopin, born in Poland in 1810, is one of the most emblematic composers of the Romantic era. His work is distinguished by an emotional depth and technical mastery that revolutionized piano music.
His life, marked by frail health and exceptional artistic sensitivity, led him to create pieces that touch the hearts of listeners and challenge the skills of pianists.
In this article, we present the 10 best Chopin compositions to play on the piano.
Note: all the songs presented in this article are available on the La Touche Musicale piano learning app. So you can learn to play them with ease.
Composed in 1831, Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major is one of Chopin’s most famous pieces.
It perfectly embodies the lyrical beauty and emotional depth typical of nocturnes. The piece is gentle and melancholy, offering a delicate melody accompanied by rich harmonies.
This is a challenging piece, perfect for experienced pianists!
Written in 1839, “Funeral March” is part of Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor.
The piece is particularly famous for its third movement, often used in funeral ceremonies. In fact, it was played at Chopin’s own funeral, adding a personal and historical dimension to the composition.
If you’re a Chopin fan, take a look at our article on the best classical pieces to play on the piano.
Composed in 1834 but published posthumously in 1855, the Fantaisie Impromptu Op. 66 is one of Chopin’s best-known works.
The piece is known for its fast rhythm and lyrical central passage. The piece alternates between tumultuous and melodic passages, offering an exciting technical challenge for pianists.
This piece requires a certain level of piano expertise!
“Waltz in A Minor” is a composition from 1843 that is both elegant and poignant.
Unlike other, more lively waltzes, this one is imbued with melancholy and reflection. It is a more intimate piece, often played at private recitals.
It is often taught to intermediate pianists because of its relative accessibility yet emotional depth.
Composed in 1847, Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 in C sharp minor is a fast and light piece, full of vivacity and charm.
This waltz is famous for its changes of mood and tempo, which make it interesting and dynamic. This waltz, sometimes called the “Minute Waltz”, is often played much faster than Chopin intended.
If you like this piece, take a look at our article on Beethoven’s best piano compositions.
Prelude No. 4 in E minor, composed in 1839, is one of the 24 preludes in Chopin’s Opus 28.
The piece is known for its simplicity and raw emotion. It is often described as melancholy and introspective, with a slow, repetitive melody. Chopin requested that this prelude be played at his own funeral, underlining just how much this composition meant to him.
Written in 1830, Étude No. 5 in G flat major, also known as the “Étude des touches noires”, is a brilliant, fast-paced piece.
It requires the pianist to play mainly on the black keys, which makes it unique and technically challenging. This étude is not only an excellent technical exercise, but also a beautiful piece to listen to.
No. 1 in C major, also from Op. 28, is an energetic, dynamic composition.
Written in 1839, it is often compared to a storm, due to its rapid movement and emotional intensity. This prelude opens the series of 24 preludes with a vigor and energy that immediately captivate the listener.
If you like this piece, take a look at our article on the best Mozart compositions to play on the piano.
The Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, composed in 1839, is a major work in Chopin’s repertoire.
The sonata is famous not only for its technical complexity, but also for its emotional depth. It is often interpreted as a reflection of Chopin’s personal struggles, and includes the famous “Funeral March” in its third movement.
The sonata is a challenge for any intermediate pianist wishing to explore Chopin’s more complex and profound works.
The 10 Chopin piano pieces presented above make up our La Touche Musicale selection. But of course there are plenty more!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, you can learn to play all your favorite songs on the piano on the La Touche Musicale app.
Learn to play your favorite songs on the piano
The La Touche Musicale learning app offers more than 2,500 songs to play easily on the piano. Connect your piano to your device and learn to play them at your own pace while having fun.
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