Romantic piano music is often associated with virtuosic pieces by composers like Chopin or Liszt, but the Romantic period also gave us many beautiful works for beginners.
On here, you’ll find a selection of Romantic and easy piano sheet music that are suitable for beginner and early-intermediate players who want to explore the expressive character of this musical era.
1. What Princess Tulip Says
Level: Grade 0
Composer: Erik Satie
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
This lyrical miniature helps beginners develop expressive playing and careful phrasing. The melody should be shaped gently, encouraging students to listen to balance between the hands while maintaining a smooth legato touch.
2. Dance in C, Op. 227 No. 2
Level: Grade 0
Composer: Cornelius Gurlitt
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
A light dance piece that introduces rhythmic clarity and coordination between both hands. Students can focus on keeping a steady pulse while articulating the playful character of the dance.
3. Novelette in D Minor
Level: Grade 0
Composer: Cornelius Gurlitt
Genre: Romantic
Key: D minor
This short Romantic character piece encourages expressive dynamics and contrasting moods. It is useful for developing control over phrasing in a faster piece.
4. La Puce
Level: Grade 1
Composer: Mel Bonis
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
A playful piece that helps students practice light articulation and quick finger movements. The character should feel energetic and agile, helping develop finger independence.
5. Lullaby
Level: Grade 1
Composer: Johannes Brahms
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
A gentle piece ideal for working on soft dynamics and smooth legato playing. Students can focus on producing a warm singing tone with the right hand while keeping a valse-style accompaniment with the left hand.
6. Farewell
Level: Grade 1
Composer: Cornelius Gurlitt
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
This expressive miniature introduces phrasing with a sense of direction and emotional character. It encourages students to think musically about tension and release within short melodic lines.
7. Berceuse (Enfantillages Pittoresques)
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Erik Satie
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
A slow and tender pattern makes this piece perfect for practicing balance between melody and accompaniment.
8. Canon in A Minor (Catch Me), Op. 117 No. 21
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Cornelius Gurlitt
Genre: Romantic
Key: A minor
A simple canon that introduces students to imitation between voices. It helps develop listening skills and awareness of hand independence.
9. La Candeur, Op. 100 No. 1
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Burgmüller
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
One of the best early Romantic studies for beginners. It focuses on even finger technique, smooth scale patterns, and developing a natural legato touch.
10. Madrigal
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Mel Bonis
Genre: Romantic
Key: G major
A lyrical character piece that encourages expressive playing and attention to musical phrasing. Students can focus on shaping melodic lines with subtle dynamic changes.
11. The Sick Doll
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Tchaikovsky
Genre: Romantic
Key: G minor
Probably the easiest piece composed by Tchaikovsky. This melancholic piece teaches students to convey character and emotion through tempo and dynamics. The slow, fragile mood encourages sensitive phrasing.
12. Valse au Chocolat
Level: Grade 2
Composer: Erik Satie
Genre: Romantic
Key: C major
A charming waltz that introduces the classic 3/4 accompaniment pattern. Students can practice maintaining the waltz rhythm while shaping a graceful melodic line.
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