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 (111–120)
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 “Choral”Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9 in D minor, Op.
125, the “Choral,” is extraordinarily famous.
It possesses a comprehensive scope that can be seen as a culmination of pre-Classical music, while also serving as a landmark work that paved the way for the coming era of Romantic music.
The fourth movement is performed with soloists and chorus and is known as the “Ode to Joy.” Although the original lyrics are in German, they have been translated into countless languages around the world.
Conceived as early as when Beethoven was 22, the piece could be called his life’s work, and its influence on not only the music world but also on culture and the arts is immeasurable.
Piano Sonata No. 23 “Appassionata”Ludwig van Beethoven
A monumental work running to about 30 minutes, it is a notoriously difficult piece that demands highly advanced technique and expressive power from the performer.
Many people may have heard it on CD as children and dreamed of being able to play it someday.
The piece opens with the theme sounding mysteriously in a soft voice, then unfolds in a grand and passionate progression.
Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique”Ludwig van Beethoven
Alongside the Moonlight and Appassionata, this Pathétique Sonata is known as one of the three great piano sonatas and stands among Beethoven’s most celebrated masterpieces.
As its title suggests, from the very beginning the piece overflows with a sense of tragic intensity, and the occasional impassioned passages further accentuate its pathos.
The second movement is frequently used in television commercials, so many listeners will likely find it familiar.
Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven
Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven is the fourth movement of Beethoven’s masterpiece, Symphony No.
9.
Also known as Hymn to Joy, it is a work beloved by many.
Because the original is for orchestra, playing only the melody on the piano can feel a bit sparse.
That’s why duet performance is highly recommended! By adding chordal accompaniment to the beautiful melody for greater richness, you’ll gain the confidence of having performed a famous classical piece, which can also boost your motivation to practice the piano.
Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterwork Symphony No.
9 in D minor, Op.
125 is featured at many concerts toward the end of the year.
“Ode to Joy” refers to the principal theme sung in the fourth movement of this piece.
While orchestral and choral performances captivate with their brilliance and power that evoke supreme joy, playing it on the piano brings the melody into sharper relief and lets you savor its flowing beauty.
Start by practicing the stepwise passage that goes “E E F G G F E D,” and once you can play the melody, try adding the bass notes and challenge yourself to play with both hands.
Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 6, for four handsLudwig van Beethoven
A work for piano four hands by the great classical composer Beethoven, published in 1797.
It is a relatively short, two-movement sonata characterized by a bright and lively tone.
The first movement has a vigorous, energetic sense of tempo, while the second is notable for its gentle and elegant melody.
Because its technical difficulty is relatively low, it has been enjoyed not only by professional performers but by a wide range of pianists.
The piece was conceived for performance in small settings, such as the salon culture of the time and domestic musicales.
It emphasizes the shared joy of playing, allowing two performers to breathe together and create a single performance in unison.
It is also recommended as a piece to include in the repertoire of those who enjoy the piano.
Six Ecossaises, WoO 83Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s masterpiece “Six Ecossaises, WoO 83,” which incorporates the Scottish dance ecossaise.
Known as a beginner-friendly work, it is often played after “Für Elise” and the first movement of the “Moonlight” Sonata.
The key point of this piece lies in its brisk tempo.
Without solid fundamentals, the sound can become unbalanced, so be mindful of the tempo indications and dynamic contrasts.
With expressive playing, it can sound strikingly impressive—do give it a try.
