Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Tchaikovsky. Most of us are familiar with the "big names" in classical piano and their famous masterpieces. No-one can dispute the brilliance of these giants of composition, or the beauty of their works. But this relatively small fraction of the piano repertoire tends to overshadow thousands of other equally amazing pieces – in genres beyond classical too. 

There are many underrated works out there that deserve to be played more often. Here are five lesser-known piano pieces that might have slipped under your radar. 

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1. To a Wild Rose, Edward MacDowell 

In his day, Edward MacDowell was one of America's most celebrated composers and, though his works are less well-known today, their beauty still resonates. The first piece from a suite of musical miniatures, To a Wild Rose has a wonderfully charming and unpretentious melody. It's satisfying to play and lovely to hear.

As the story goes, MacDowell scribbled down the initial piece, then – seemingly unsatisfied – crumpled up the paper and tossed it at his fireplace. However, he missed his target. Later, his wife Marian picked up the paper, tried out the tune on their piano, and convinced MacDowell that it was worth keeping. What a lucky series of events!

2. Aloha'Oe, Queen Lili'uokalani

You've likely heard this famous Hawaiian mele (song) before – but probably not on piano! It's been covered by everyone from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and has popped up in countless movies and television shows.

Written by Queen Lili'uokalani (Hawaii's last monarch) in 1878, Aloha'Oe has become an enduring cultural symbol of Hawaii. Lili'uokalani was inspired to write the song after she witnessed a tender farewell between an American colonel and a young Hawaiian woman. Years later, when Hawaii lost its independence and became part of the US, the song took on a more sorrowful meaning – as the queen's farewell to her beloved country. 

3. Gnossienne No. 4, Erik Satie 

Satie's Gnossiennes sometimes get less attention compared to his more famous (and equally hard-to-pronounce) Gymnopedies – but they're no less brilliant. Published in 1968, long after the composer's death, Gnossienne No. 4 has a melancholic, otherworldly air to it. Listening to initially hesitant notes unfold into a soft, swirling melody, you almost feel like you've been transported to the streets of 19th century Paris on a moody autumn afternoon.

4. Solveig's Song, Edvard Grieg 

When most people hear the name Edvard Grieg, iconic pieces like In the Hall of the Mountain King or Morning Mood immediately spring to mind. While Solveig's Song (also from the epic Peer Gynt suite) may be a little less well known, it is definitely worth your attention.

In this sad, yet ultimately hopeful song, the titular Solveig – who has now been abandoned twice by legendary commitment-phobe Peer – promises that she will wait for him, believing that they will rekindle their love one day. It makes for one achingly beautiful piece of piano music.

5. Wolverine Blues, Jelly Roll Morton

This number comes from one of the early greats of jazz: Jelly Roll Morton. As jazz's first significant composer, Morton wrote many compositions that became staples of the genre.

Wolverine Blues is a fantastic example of Morton's skill and creativity as an arranger: its fresh, uplifting melody is underscored by superb technical precision. Nearly a century since its release, this classic still dazzles and surprises.

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