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! (141–150)
Piano Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 “Appassionata,” Third MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.
23, Op.
57 “Appassionata,” Movement III.
While his sonatas such as the “Pathétique” and “Moonlight” are widely known, I’ve chosen to highlight this one instead.
This work can be seen as a prototype of his most famous “Fate” motif, and it features many of Beethoven’s characteristic emotional expressions.
Naturally, the performance difficulty rises in proportion to the abundance of expression, but that very quality makes it a highly compelling piece to listen to—so be sure to check it out.
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”Ludwig van Beethoven
One of Ludwig van Beethoven’s signature works, Piano Sonata No.
23 in F minor, Op.
57—affectionately known as the “Appassionata”—was composed between 1804 and 1806 and stands as a masterpiece of his middle period.
Passionate and dramatic in character, it deeply reflects Beethoven’s inner anguish and emotions.
Samson François’s renowned performance captures a stunning contrast between ferocity and stillness; in particular, his evocation of a stormy night at sea is breathtaking and profoundly moving.
This imperishable masterpiece and performance come highly recommended for anyone wishing to become more familiar with classical music.
Piano Sonata No. 8, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven
The masterpiece that has etched its name in music history, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
8 in C minor, Op.
13 “Pathétique,” Second Movement.
Alongside the “Moonlight” Sonata, it is a popular choice for recitals.
Because the first movement and the finale are technically demanding, performing the entire sonata is quite challenging; however, the second movement is relatively accessible, so focusing on this movement alone is also recommended.
Practice triplets, the balance between accompaniment and melody, and pedaling with care to achieve a polished, high-quality performance.
Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
8.
In particular, the second movement is often said to be one of the most beautiful melodies Beethoven ever wrote, and it has been used as incidental music in many films and television dramas.
Composed between 1798 and 1799, this piece coincides with the period when Beethoven began to notice changes in his hearing.
Although the melody is simple and its range is not very wide, the accompanying parts have a rich texture, so if you don’t listen carefully to the balance while playing, the melody tends to get buried.
Aim for a calm performance that keeps in mind the gently flowing, elegant melody that warmly embraces the listener, supported by the weighty harmonies beneath it.
Piano Sonata No. 14Ludwig van Beethoven
This is a piece Beethoven composed when he was 30 years old.
Nicknamed the “Moonlight Sonata,” it features a melody set over a gentle accompaniment that is very delicate and wistful.
As indicated in the score—“to be played with the soft pedal depressed”—it is a very quiet piece, so be sure to give it a listen.
Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
The first movement of Piano Sonata No.
14 “Moonlight,” composed by Ludwig van Beethoven of Germany, has long been affectionately known as the “Moonlight Sonata.” It is said that Beethoven, who suffered from hearing loss and chronic illness, dedicated this piece to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, with whom he was romantically enamored.
Of its four movements, the first shows a heavy, leisurely character; as the movements progress toward the finale, the work takes on a weightier, well-balanced, and characteristically Beethovenian, finely structured form.
Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” 3rd MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata is performed very frequently in concerts.
While the first movement is especially famous, the third movement—driven at a rapid tempo from start to finish and brimming with thrilling intensity—is also often featured.
From the very beginning of the movement, the restless motion of non-melodic arpeggios, along with increasingly compressed sforzandos and shifting harmonies, builds a mounting sense of exhilaration.
At the time he composed the “Moonlight,” Beethoven had become acutely aware of abnormalities in his hearing.
One can sense both his determination to break with convention and his inner turmoil—haunted by the specter of death—over an ear ailment that could be fatal to a musician’s career.
