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] Picking Up Masterpieces and Signature Works! (131–140)
Violin Sonata No. 5 “Spring”Ludwig van Beethoven
Next, let me introduce a famous violin masterpiece by the “Saint of Music,” Beethoven.
Even those not very familiar with classical music may have heard this violin sonata somewhere at least once.
It remains beloved today and is performed as one of the greatest masterpieces for violin.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer known as one of the most important musicians in history.
He is extremely famous in Japan as well.
While the fact that he was deaf often draws attention, Beethoven’s true appeal lies above all in his flawless compositions, which can be called the culmination of Classical-era music.
His Violin Concerto is one of his most popular works for the instrument and has been performed by many renowned violinists up to the present day.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61: Rondo – AllegroLudwig van Beethoven
The only completed violin concerto written by Beethoven.
It is one of the works from Beethoven’s middle period, which produced numerous masterpieces and is often called his “heroic” or “masterwork” period.
The third movement is in rondo form: after the violin presents the main theme as a solo, the orchestra repeats it to begin.
The violin then plays a secondary theme followed by rapid passages, and returns to the main theme, which the orchestra again repeats—a typical rondo structure.
After the solo violin sings a beautiful cadenza, it heads toward the climax together with the orchestra.
Six Variations, WoO 70, on the duet ‘Pria ch’io l’impegno’ (My heart is already growing faint) from Paisiello’s opera ‘La molinara’Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s renowned piece “Six Variations on the Duet ‘Nel cor più non mi sento’ from Paisiello’s opera La molinara, WoO 70,” often performed at children’s recitals, unfolds brilliantly as it follows the sequence of movements.
Although Variation 6 is somewhat long at 47 measures, its overall difficulty is low, placing it at the upper end of beginner or intermediate level.
Because it serves as good practice for sixteenth-note patterns, those who have finished practicing playing with both hands separately are encouraged to give it a try.
Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Moonlight, First Movement is a work marked by a quiet melody that seems to express deep sorrow.
It is a renowned masterpiece by Ludwig van Beethoven, the great composer known as a pioneer of Romantic music.
While the piece’s overwhelming atmosphere and weighty, memorable melody stand out, it is not particularly difficult to play from a technical standpoint.
However, performing it quietly without causing any disturbance demands strong concentration.
For elementary school children, it will be a significant challenge.
That said, the piece is highly complete as a work of art, so it will undoubtedly make a compelling impression when heard!
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor “Moonlight”Ludwig van Beethoven
The first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
14, completed in 1801, is characterized by a dreamlike atmosphere that evokes moonlight reflected on a tranquil lake.
Its dreamy triplet accompaniment and profoundly expressive melody captivate listeners and will not let them go.
It is said that the work reflects Beethoven’s worsening hearing at the time and the pain of unrequited love.
Featured in many works such as the films Love Story and Interview with the Vampire, its allure continues to move people across generations.
It’s also recommended to listen to it alone on a quiet night when the moon is visible.
Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53 “Waldstein”Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.
21, Op.
53 “Waldstein.” Among Beethoven’s works, this piece is especially famous for its difficulty.
In terms of level, it’s perhaps just one step below the very highest.
To put it simply, it feels easier than La Campanella.
While no single passage is impossibly difficult on its own, the piece is challenging to perform as a whole.
It tends to devolve into merely playing a string of eighth notes, so be sure to deepen your understanding of the music and focus on expressive interpretation.