Sheet music
Classical piano pieces: 14 works
The best-known pieces of the repertoire – all in the public domain, each linked to the free historical editions.
14 pieces14 in the public domain4 for beginners
Beginner
Für EliseLudwig van BeethovenThe best-known piano melody there is – and one of the few pieces almost anyone can start playing within weeks.in the public domain
Ode to JoyLudwig van BeethovenThe European anthem – and in almost every piano method the first piece that sounds like music.in the public domain
Gymnopédie No. 1Erik SatieSatie’s study in slowness – technically one of the easiest concert pieces, musically anything but.in the public domain
Prelude in C majorJohann Sebastian BachBach’s best-known prelude – a single broken-chord pattern that transforms over 35 bars.in the public domain
Intermediate
Moonlight Sonata (1. Satz)Ludwig van BeethovenBeethoven’s most famous Adagio – slow, dark and technically surprisingly approachable.in the public domain
Canon in DJohann PachelbelThe most famous chord progression in music history – the basis for weddings and for half of pop music.in the public domain
The EntertainerScott JoplinThe ragtime everyone can whistle – with a left hand that constantly jumps between bass and chord.in the public domain
Arabesque No. 1Claude DebussyDebussy’s friendliest piece – flowing, bright and considerably more approachable than Clair de Lune.in the public domain
O Holy NightAdolphe AdamThe Christmas carol with the widest range – written for singers, correspondingly far-reaching on the piano.in the public domain
Advanced
Clair de LuneClaude DebussyDebussy’s moonlight – sounds floating and light, yet is the most demanding piece on this list.in the public domain
Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2Frédéric ChopinChopin’s best-known nocturne – the melody sounds freely improvised but is precisely notated.in the public domain
Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMozart’s rondo – the earworm everyone wants to play faster than they can.in the public domain
La CampanellaFranz LisztThe little bell – one of the most notorious études in the repertoire, famous for leaps across two octaves.in the public domain
Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Rimski-KorsakowThe Bumblebee – the piece by which speed has been measured for as long as pianos have existed.in the public domain