The Well-Tempered Clavier was completely innovative for its day, and it paved the way for composers writing for keyboard instruments for the next few hundred years. Bach wrote the first of the two books that make up his workin 1722, making this one of the earliest pieces on our list. Each of the two books contain 24 Preludes and Fugues (the whole work is sometimes known as ‘The 48’), in each key of the Western scale – and each book opens with a preludein C major, closing with a fugue in B minor. The first time this was performed, Mozart took up the role of soloist – because who could possibly play it better than young Wolfgang himself? The concerto’s final movement is legendary for its shift from a dark and restless mood to an utterly jubilant D Major finale. The young Beethoven is said to have adored this concerto, and kept it in his core piano repertoire. If you’re feeling sombre and brooding, the Sonata Pathétiqueis the perfect accompaniment. Timeless and joyously recognisable for the unique motif line Beethoven uses throughout, it’s no surprise this sonata remains one of the composer’s most celebrated compositions.

Really lovely playing from Stephen Hough, who offers us the most beautifully shaped sound, and a vision of Schubert’s music that feels as exploratory as it does rich in understanding of those wonderful works.This revelatory recording of the Diabelli Variations – Mitsuko Uchida’s first solo album for almost a decade – stands out as a dazzling addition to this work’s rich interpretative history. A superb release.

A deeply fulfilling and beautifully engineered Scarlatti programme,’ writes Jed Distler of this album from Wolfram Schmitt-Leonardy. Do listen to it. Schumann’s Kinderszenen are a bittersweet collection of piano miniatures covering themes like games of chase, night-time terrors, bedtime stories and sleep. The most famous, ‘Traumerei’ paints a peaceful musical picture of a child’s dreams. It’s tender and beautifully nostalgic.

We might anger a few metalheads by including Metallica in a roundup of pop songs, but don't just take from us—others think it, too. "Metallica are a heavy-sounding band, but they write pop songs," said Dave Gahan of the legendary Depeche Mode. The splendid music of this fascinating French composer, in many ways ahead of its time, deserves to be far better known – and receives gloriously eloquent advocacy from pianist Clare Hammond. Bach’s 30 variations on a theme were originally written to help a Russian count overcome his insomnia – and they are named after a keyboard player called Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, who may have been the very musician who played the Variations to help the count drift off to sleep. The work opens with a simple statement of the theme (the ‘aria’) and the 30 variations get more and more intricate, straying further and further from the original theme. The Canadian pianist Glenn Gould recorded what has become the most famous version of the monumental work. A brilliant series ends on a note worthy of all the previous volumes – Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s desire to share his affection for Haydn’s music with us is infectious. A superb survey. Wonderful music, performed with charm, affection and, when required, fabulous virtuosity, by pianist Mark Viner; a superb follow up to his equally impressive first volume of Chaminade.

Rhapsody in Blue’wasn’t entirely positively received by 1920s critics, yet its melange of classical and jazz stylegrounded Gershwin’s reputation as a serious composer – and its jazz influences are what gives the landmark pieceits sultry and indulgent character. The sonata’s third movement Rondo alla Turca is so popular, it is often played as its own musical entity. The movement imitates the sound of Turkish military bands, which was in vogue with European composers at the time. The piano version manages to capture the same epic, swirling sense of emotion in the famed original, especially through the gorgeous middle section. Due to the mixture between chords and melody, the flowkey version is best suited to advanced players. The big question: what is a Wonderwall? Noel Gallagher has never answered this, but said it's a "song about an imaginary friend who's gonna come and save you from yourself." 11. No Doubt – Don't Speak (1995) Even if you're not going through a breakup, it's the perfect tune for a quiet night indoors, alone with the piano—and your feelings—maybe with a bit of mood lighting, too. We have four arrangements for this song on flowkey, making it an excellent and accessible choice for players of all levels, from beginner to pro. 3. David Bowie – Space Oddity (1969)This modern classic from Billie Eilish brings us right up to the end of our sixty-year journey through pop. Among all the modern pop songs on flowkey we could've wrapped things up with, we've chosen "Everything I Wanted" because although it's modern, it feels timeless. With simple chords and soft melodies floating over a deep emotional undercurrent, it's pop music at its best. It is always a privilege to hear Krystian Zimerman on record, and this programme of Szymanowski’s music – recorded either side of a 15-year interval – is predictably stunning.

All those ninth chords make the piano cover suitable for more advanced pianists, but even less experienced players can enjoy playing either the left- or right-hand part of the song on its own. 8. Alphaville – Forever Young (1984) This song is a staple for the first dance at weddings, which is why we have three versions of it available to learn through flowkey: one for weddings, a version with the melody, and a version without the melody specifically arranged for sing-alongs or other instrumental accompaniments. Whichever you choose, the sparks of romance should fly. 2. The Beatles – Yesterday (1965)Alexander Gadjiev – the second-placed pianist at last year’s Chopin Competition – further enhances his reputation with an adventurous and brilliantly played Russian programme. The broken chord accompaniment in Sting's 1983 megahit is iconic enough on its own, but the way it combines with a relatively simple melody turns "Every Breath You Take" into something truly special. Throughout the introduction and verses, each chord is an added ninth—played as broken chords. This takes a progression that might otherwise sound ordinary and gives it a wistful, yearning edge that fits what have been called the world's most misinterpreted lyrics. Each new album from pianist Steven Osborne offers beautifully prepared interpretations with something distinctive to say about the repertoire – and this latest Debussy recital is no exception. Despite its unfortunate first outing, this sonata has become one of the best-loved and most performed piano works. Traditionally, sonatas have four movements – but Liszt was never one to play by the rules. The Sonata in B minor is one unbroken stretch of music, built around a handful of motifs which re-appear in various guises throughout. A poetic survey of Hahn miniatures from pianist Pavel Kolesnikov which, writes Michelle Assay, brings us ‘closer to the core of these pieces than any other available recording’.