Pick up Beethoven’s famous and representative works!
Ludwig van Beethoven created innovative music that served as a bridge from the Classical to the Romantic era, leaving a profound influence on later generations.
His music is passionate yet rich in beautiful melodies, and it conveys a sense of essential depth, as if pursuing things to their very core.
There are many masterpieces that everyone has heard at least once, such as “Fate” (Symphony No.
5) and “Für Elise.”
In this article, we’ve picked out some of Beethoven’s famous and representative works.
Why not immerse yourself in the music of Beethoven, one of the great composers?
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[Beethoven] A selection of famous and representative works! (61–70)
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 “Choral,” from the 4th movement: “Ode to Joy”Ludwig van Beethoven
An immortal masterpiece woven by a grand orchestra and chorus.
Ludwig van Beethoven completed it over the course of about nine years while battling his lost hearing.
At its premiere in May 1824, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, but the already deaf Beethoven did not notice until a singer turned him around—an episode that has been passed down as deeply moving.
In Japan, this work is also known for being performed nationwide at the end of the year.
It is a piece that resonates with the heart, one that sends off life’s farewells not only with sorrow, but with gratitude for the path traveled and with hope.
Missa solemnis in D major, Op. 123 (Solemn Mass)Ludwig van Beethoven
Known as a major late-life work that took five years to complete.
Today it is performed mainly in concert halls rather than churches, and in Mass ceremonies it is only rarely performed, for example in Austria.
It is a piece that inspires a sacred feeling and cleanses the soul.
Romance No. 2 in F major, Op. 50, for Violin and OrchestraLudwig van Beethoven
It’s an accessible piece distinguished by the violin’s beautiful melody and the orchestra’s gently enveloping lines.
True to its title, “Romance,” it’s an elegant, love-filled work cherished by many.
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 “Spring”Ludwig van Beethoven
It is a violin concerto in four movements.
As the title suggests, it is a brilliant piece brimming with a refreshing sense of joy, as if celebrating the arrival of spring.
Its elegance makes it a popular choice for background music.
The interplay with the piano is also beautiful, as if weaving a song of love.
the opera FidelioLudwig van Beethoven
It is the only opera Beethoven completed.
The heroine, Leonore, disguises herself as a man under the name “Fidelio” to infiltrate a prison and rescue her husband, Florestan, who is being held as a political prisoner.
It is also famous as a notoriously difficult piece that challenges singers.
15 Variations and FugueLudwig van Beethoven
Also known as the Eroica Variations, this piece is famous for using the theme employed in the final movement of the Symphony No.
3 “Eroica.” Its charming and accessible theme is explored through a variety of approaches as a set of variations, making it a work you can enjoy again and again without ever growing tired of it.
Auld Lang SyneLudwig van Beethoven
When it comes to Hotaru no Hikari (Auld Lang Syne), it’s known as a famous Scottish folk song, but there’s a well-known “hidden gem” fact: Beethoven actually arranged it as a vocal piece.
If you haven’t heard it yet, you should give it a listen at least once.
That tune, famous in Japan as store-closing music, resounds with a bold, Beethovenian spirit.