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] Pick Up Masterpieces and Signature Works! (181–190)
Ode to Joy from the NinthLudwig van Beethoven
In Japan, Beethoven’s symphonies are so famous that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know them.
His Ninth Symphony is performed almost without fail at the end of the year—so much so that “the Ninth means year’s end, and year’s end means the Ninth” is a familiar saying.
The tradition began after the war, when orchestras in Japan, struggling with low income, started performing the ever-popular Ninth at year’s end to ensure audiences.
True to its title, the piece is full of hope and welcomes the New Year.
While the fourth movement is immensely famous, the opening of the first movement has the feeling of emerging, wandering out of darkness, and the third movement can be listened to calmly at a relaxed pace.
Listening from the first movement through to the fourth anew reveals a grand tale of joy that sets the heart in motion!
[Beethoven] Pick Up Masterpieces and Signature Works! (191–200)
May music lift the burdens from your life and help you share happiness with others.Ludwig van Beethoven
The German composer Beethoven left many famous quotes along with his music.
Beethoven, who was known to write letters diligently, is said to have cherished his friends and lovers.
Even from the words of the passionate Beethoven, who continued composing despite losing his hearing, one can feel a sense of warmth.
No fence reading ‘No entry beyond this point’ can be put up in the face of great ambition, talent, and diligence.Ludwig van Beethoven
In life, there are no limits before those who set high goals and keep learning.
Beethoven, who continued composing even as he lost his hearing and created numerous masterpieces, was a person of perseverance and effort.
The masterpieces he produced while overcoming hardships will continue to resonate in people’s hearts forever.
RomanceLudwig van Beethoven
It’s a relaxed, slow-tempo piece that’s easy even for beginners to play, but you’ll need solid practice beforehand if you plan to perform it in front of others.
I highly recommend it as a gateway piece for advancing from a novice level toward graduation.
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 “Kreutzer,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
One of Beethoven’s signature works, notable for its violin part with repeated triplets and the piano’s powerful chords.
Its passionate, dramatic development is a hallmark, and it demands advanced technique from both violinist and pianist.
Premiered in Vienna in 1803, it has since been recorded by many violinists and even inspired Tolstoy’s novella “The Kreutzer Sonata.” It is also performed in the anime Your Lie in April.
With its ebb-and-flow rhythms, it’s pleasant to listen to and recommended when you want to boost concentration.
If you’d like to approach work or study with an elegant, refreshing mindset, give this masterpiece a listen.
Ode to Joy (from Symphony No. 9)Ludwig van Beethoven
When it comes to music you hear around the end of the year, Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9 surely tops the list, doesn’t it? I think many people feel, “Ah, it’s year-end,” when the Ninth drifts out from the TV or on street corners.
It’s also performed frequently in various concert halls and domes.
The famous fourth movement, also known as the “Ode to Joy,” features lyrics based on the poet Schiller’s An die Freude.
Beethoven, Sinfon_a N_ 6 ”Pastoral”. Wiener Philharmoniker, Christian ThielemannLudwig van Beethoven
This is Beethoven’s Pastoral conducted by Christian Thielemann.
As a work renowned as a masterpiece, it is filled with rich, cultured hues from beginning to end.
One could say it embodies the word “pastoral” to the highest degree.