The piano is one of the most marvelous instruments out there as it covers all notes of the musical scale and provides an incredible range that you cannot get with other instruments.
Whether you are a piano king or a beginner, choosing which songs to play is an important decision.
To make the choice easier for you, we have compiled a list of what we believe are some of the best piano songs of all time.
What Is the Piano?
The piano was invented in the 1700s and provides a unique range and sound, unlike any other instrument.
Pianoforte is the original piano name, and it translates to “soft and loud”. Most pianos have a row of 88 keys and the piano has a protective wooden case that surrounds the strings and soundboard. It is the only instrument used to help tune other instruments or even voices.
The piano is the instrument with most music written for it over the years. Great composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, and others have always favored the piano for its versatility and range.
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, a young woman who was able to play the piano was considered more suitable for marriage. Some of these young women became true piano virtuosos and had complex pieces composed for them to play by the great composers of the times.
Some of these songs written for piano told tales of passionate love stories, anguished longing, wrenching heartbreak, and intense joy. These melodies have left a big imprint in the world of piano songs and their tunes have remained all-time favorites over centuries.
Why the Piano Is so Popular
With over 21 million people playing the piano these days, it is safe to say this instrument is widely popular. Here are a few reasons why:
- The piano is an instrument that is easy to play. From a young age, children can learn to stroke the piano keys to create sound with ease. The light level of difficulty makes children more inclined towards this instrument and allows them to perfect their piano skills without excessive effort.
- Playing the piano is fulfilling. That you can play more than one note at a time and attain accompaniment from the instrument makes beginners fond of the piano.
- The fundamental concept of music theory is easier to see on the piano. Also, when you press a key, the piano always makes the right note. It does not require special skill as with other instruments.
- The sense of pitch you learn from playing the piano will help you learn to play all other instruments easily.
- The piano is versatile and allows you to play many genres.
- The piano is low maintenance. It only needs tuning a couple of times a year.
- The piano can be harmony, melody, and musical masterpiece all in one instrument.
Why the Piano Is the Best Instrument
Pianos cover all musical notes on the scale. Once you learn to play the piano, it is easier to learn to play any other instruments.
This instrument will teach both bass clef and treble while other instruments teach only one or the other. This allows the pianist to have a deeper understanding of music.
The piano has the widest range of frequency of all instruments. It provides melody, chords, and rhythm all at once. We consider the piano the king of all instruments.
The 17 Best Piano Songs of All Time
We have listened to and reviewed hundreds of the most popular piano songs and finally narrowed it down to 18 of the most beautiful pieces across different genres.
These unforgettable pieces of music will forever remain in our hearts as they are timeless and transcendent.
These songs take us through a rollercoaster of emotions and leave an imprint in our souls with majestic notes.
The Best Classical Piano Songs
Beethoven: ‘Moonlight’ Sonata
A world-renowned piece, this is one of the most popular songs ever written for the piano. Ludwig van Beethoven composed this piece and dedicated it to one of his pupils.
One of the most famous composers of all time, Beethoven knew how to include a myriad of emotions in a song like no one else. The vast range of feelings you experience while listening to or playing this piece makes it one of the best piano songs of all time.
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor
A piano virtuoso, Rachmaninov could play both fast runs and powerful chords with great ease, and he used this to his advantage when writing this song.
This piece contains three movements that take you through a range of emotions which include suspense, romance, and drama. Although mastering this song is not for the faint of heart, the rewards are endless.
Beethoven: Für Elise
Discovered 40 years after Beethoven’s death, this song is one of the most recognizable piano songs ever written.
This piece is an all-time favorite amongst piano beginners, although it is difficult to play as it involves a lot of hand movement. Its deeply melodic and nostalgic feeling makes Für Elise one of the best piano songs of all time.
The Best Pop Piano Songs
Billy Joel: Piano Man
“Piano Man” was Billy Joel’s first single and the song that made him famous. This piece tells the story of Joel’s beginnings as a piano lounge singer.
The characters in the song are based on real people and customers Joel encountered while working at a bar in Los Angeles.
Beatles: Let It Be
A song released by the Beatles in 1970 featuring Paul McCartney on the piano, this piece is a favorite amongst piano aficionados.
A positive song inspired by a dream McCartney had of his mother, this piece encourages us to leave worry behind and let things be.
Adele: Someone Like You
A great ballad speaking of heartbreak, this song became one of Adele’s most popular hits. A sad and beautiful song, this piece highlights Adele’s artistic qualities and resonates with people of all ages all over the world.
The song achieved international success in 2011 and has become a fine choice of music for piano lovers ever since.
The Best R&B Piano Songs
Aretha Franklin: Dr. Feelgood
A soulful piece that involves some serious piano playing. With love as the theme, Aretha Franklin sure meant business when creating this song.
She was undoubtedly a great piano player who poured her soul into the music she made.
The Best Piano Rock Songs
Elton John: Tiny Dancer
The piano song made famous by Kate Hudson in the movie “Almost Famous”, this hit has California women as its inspiration. One of Elton John’s earlier pieces, it features amazing piano accompaniment.
Alicia Keys: Fallin
Released in 2001, Fallin is a beautifully written song sung with a soulful voice. Alicia Keys saw instant success as this hit became one of the best-selling numbers of the year.
The song depicts the controversial emotions felt in young love.
Journey: Don’t Stop Believing
A big hit in the 80s, this song has a powerful message of positivity and it has been featured in many films and shows. It is an upbeat piano song that makes for a fun practice song.
Elton John: Your Song
A simple and romantic love song that brought Elton John instant success, this song depicts young idealistic love and resonates with listeners all over the world.
The Best Jazz Piano Songs
Earl Hines: I’ve Got the World on a String
“I’ve Got the World on a String” is an innovative track with modern harmony. No one could play the piano like Earl Hines and we consider him the father of jazz piano. His works are appreciated by many jazz lovers.
Oscar Peterson: Night Train
This song’s melody and funky roots gained a big fan base when the world-renowned jazz pianist Oscar Peterson released it in 1961. It is a fun choice of music to play on the piano and one of the best piano songs out there.
The Best Blues Piano Songs
Memphis Slim: Steppin’ Out
Blues-instrumental composition “Steppin’ Out” is an amazing piano song that left an imprint on the blues genre.
A spectacular track with a beautiful melody, this song is one of Memphis Slim‘s best works.
Ray Charles: The Snow Is Falling
One of the most memorable tracks of the renowned pianist Ray Charles, this song is a sad yet beautiful masterpiece. Ray Charles was one of the most influential blues singers of his time.
The Best Romantic Piano Songs
Franz Liszt: Leibestraum – Love Dream
“Leibestraum” is a piano masterpiece used to describe a passionate love story. Franz Liszt was a prolific Hungarian composer and pianist.
Frederic Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1
When you think piano, you think of Frederic Chopin. He was one of the founding fathers of romantic piano composition and this song was the first of his works to be published in 1830.
The piece takes you through a full spectrum of emotions and it is magnificent.
Conclusion
The piano has the unique quality of being able to express a range of emotions and sentiments. It can take you from epic highs to heart-wrenching lows all within one song.
Although it is nearly impossible to mention all the beautiful piano songs out there, we hope that our collection of the best piano songs from a few different genres has inspired you to want to learn to play these songs.
Now get out your music sheets and play away!