As with many of the great composers, it can be hard to know where to begin with a catalog as large and respected as Frédéric Chopin's. The Polish composer, who died in 1849 aged 39, wrote more than 200 pieces for piano in his short lifetime, many of which are considered among the greatest music of all time.

Though Chopin created a wide range of sounds, an unmistakable elegance and intimacy runs through much of his output. There's a thoughtfulness to his best-known compositions, 10 of which we've gathered for this list. All are available to learn through flowkey, usually in a range of difficulty levels, so whether you're new to this composer or a Chopin aficionado, now's the time to dive in and start playing.

1. Nocturne No. 2 in E♭, Op. 9

Serene and romantic

Chopin wrote this classic when he was just 20 years old, and it remains one of his best-known nocturnes—or shorter, romantic pieces composed for piano. There's a beauty to the way the melody unfurls, with subtle shifts in pace propelling the piece forward. Although Nocturne No. 2 in E♭, Op. 9 is considered one of Chopin's most emotional pieces, it's also remarkably subtle—something you'll quickly notice once you start practicing it.

flowkey offers this piece in two levels. We recommend all but the most experienced players start with the intermediate arrangement before moving on to the full, original piece.

2. Prelude No. 4 in Em, Op. 28

Haunting melancholy

This piece reveals Chopin's melancholic side—and not only in the way it sounds. The composer famously requested that it be played at his own funeral (alongside Mozart's Requiem), which says a lot about the emotions it brings about. Filmmakers have also cottoned onto the piece's power: You'll find it in the soundtracks of blockbuster films like The Notebook, The Pianist, and, more recently, Anatomy of a Fall.

Read: The 9 Mozart Pieces Every Piano Player Needs to Know

Despite its powerful sound, this prelude's repetition and leisurely pace make it suitable for players of many levels. Newer players should reach for flowkey's intermediate version, whose sparser arrangement retains the original's heartbreak but simplifies the learning experience.

3. Waltz No. 2 in C#m, Op. 64

Lively charm

With its infectious rhythm, this waltz showcases Chopin's knack for the traditional 3/4 waltz time. But rather than the dance floor, as was common back then, Chopin's waltzes were composed with concert performances in mind.

The lengthy runtime and busy melody make "No. 2" one of the more difficult Chopin compositions to learn with flowkey, but we nevertheless recommend every learner spend time with this piece: The listening experience alone is enough to put you in a trance.

4. Grande valse brillante in E♭, Op. 18

Pure happiness

We couldn't write a Chopin list with just one waltz inside. As soon as you hit Play on this piece, you'll understand why. From its opening seconds, the mood is pure happiness. "Grande valse brillante" has a quick tempo but the melodies are infectious, which explains why it remains one of Chopin's most popular compositions.

That said, it is one of this list's more difficult options, not least because of the fast repeated notes. Every aspect of the piece demands technical precision, so you should approach it just like you would any other: with patience, one section at a time.

5. Funeral March – Sonata No. 2 in B♭m, Op. 35

A profound and famous piece

The solemn “Funeral March” is a profound piece you may recognize from grainy news footage. Over the years, it's been played at some of the most-televised funerals in the world, including for the likes of John F. Kennedy, Margaret Thatcher, and, more recently, Queen Elizabeth II.

Regardless of which version you start with (flowkey has four levels available), you'll need to carefully balance power and restraint to capture the weight of the piece. Songs like this are the reason fans rave about Chopin's "intimate" sound.

6. Raindrop Prelude – Op. 28, No. 15

Tranquility and turbulence

Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15, unofficially known as the “Raindrop Prelude,” was partially composed during Chopin's 1838 stay at a monastery in Mallorca. The juxtaposition of tranquility and turbulence is especially strong, which might explain why it's still one of Chopin's most popular works.

A recurring A-flat note mimics the aforementioned raindrops, showcasing Chopin's ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound. It's the easiest section on a song that is otherwise reserved for seasoned players, as heard on flowkey's pro version.

7. Scherzo No. 1 in Bm, Op. 20 ("Molto più lento")

A whirlwind of energy

Scherzo No. 1 is a whirlwind of energy, showcasing Chopin's penchant for creating pieces that challenge the performer's technical abilities. It's known as one of Chopin's toughest compositions to get the hang of, so patience is essential.

From the thunderous opening to the delicate middle section, players navigate rapid passages and sudden changes in dynamics that capture the essence of Chopin's one-of-a-kind style.

8. Nocturne No. 1 in Em, Op. 72

Delicate chords

Nocturne No. 1 in E minor was the first nocturne Chopin composed, although it wasn't published until 1855—almost 30 years later. Though it's less celebrated than some of Chopin's other works, it holds the same distinct charm, something the pro version on flowkey captures perfectly.

There's a hint of melancholy in the nuanced phrasing and delicate left-hand chords, with a real emotional richness bursting through. Like many of the pro-level pieces on this list, this one requires patience, consistency, and plenty of heart to learn. We know you can do it.

9. Nocturne No. 20 in C#m, Op. posth.

The sound of yearning

There's a haunting yet beautiful sound to Nocturne in C-sharp minor. The expressive melodies and rich harmonies capture a sense of yearning, with left-hand arpeggios bringing the emotional depth that runs through so much of Chopin's music.

flowkey's advanced arrangement perfectly captures this sense of emotion. The left-hand arpeggios, to be played with precision, are the icing on the cake, drawing you deeper into Chopin's intimate world.

10. Nocturne No. 1 in B♭m, Op. 9

Arguably the quintessential Nocturne

The timeless Nocturne in B-flat minor is a fitting conclusion to exploring Chopin's piano pieces, as it's been called the most quintessential of his 21 nocturnes. Its expressive melodies, set against intricate arpeggios, demand a delicate touch from every pianist. That said, having the confidence to play left-hand chords and a keen awareness of dynamic contrasts will allow you to enjoy your time learning this piece.

The pro version on flowkey captures Chopin at his best, with plenty of patience needed to get the most out of this extraordinary nocturne.

Play the music you love with flowkey

Learning to play your favorite Frédéric Chopin pieces will not only help you achieve your goals, but also make your piano-learning journey much more enjoyable. After all, when you're playing music you love, it's easier to stay motivated.

Do any of these Chopin songs have your fingers itching to hit the keys? Get the full tutorials and discover our entire library at flowkey, available on desktop and mobile.