10. Franz Schubert: Fantasie in C major, Op. 15, “The Wanderer”
Let no-one say that pieces written in C major are easy! The Wanderer is widely considered to be Schubert’s most technically demanding piece, to the extent that the composer himself had difficulty playing it! It is performed here by Alfred Brendel.
Honourable Mention: Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata No. 21, “Waldstein”.
Frédéric Chopin: Waltz in A Minor, B. 150
A sombre piece by all accounts, though not without it’s moments of hope. It was published posthumously, and is performed in the video below by Vladimir Ashkenazy.
8. Niccolò Paganini: Crapice No. 24
This virtuosic violin piece has inspired generations of composers long after the death of Paganini, including Brahms, Liszt and Rachmaninoff. Below is the original melody, performed in all its playfulness by Itzhak Perlman.
7. Edvard Grieg: Piano Concert in A Minor
The timpani roll and crashing chords at the start of Grieg’s only piano concerto is quite possibly one of the most iconic opening of any classical piece (rivalled only by the glissando in Rhapsoy in Blue). If you have not heard Schumann’s piano concerto then do seek it out, it is in the same style and key as Grieg’s piece. The performance below is by Benjamin Grosvenor.
6. Scott Joplin The Entertainer
Scott Joplin’s music experienced a revival after being featured in The Sting, but even before then The Entertainer had become a ragtime favourite.
5. Maurice Ravel: Bolero
This timeless piece continues to find favour with the concert-going public, and it is easy to see why with its infections rhythms, grand melodies and stunning orchestration.
4. George Gershwin: Summertime
George Gershwin’s music is never short of remarkable. His mastery of style and genre allowed him to blend them together at a whim, with nigh on invisible seams.
3. Felix Mendelssohn: Wedding March
This piece is actually from Mendelssohn’s suite of incidental music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, composed in 1842.
2. W.A. Mozart: Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman”
This is an astounding set of variations on a tune that is has been sung by almost everyone in the world. Each variation is impeccably characterised and never fails to hold your attention.
1. J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C major
An unquestionable staple of the piano repertoire, this first prelude of Bach’s Well-Tempered Klavier is marvellous at every turn. It is said that Bach would have been a tremendous jazz pianist if he were alive today, and if any evidence were needed then listen out for the repeated ii-V-I progressions in this piece.