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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?

[Beethoven] Pick Up His Masterpieces and Representative Works! (201–210)

Symphony No. 9 “Choral”Ludwig van Beethoven

Seiji Ozawa conducts “Ode to Joy” for the first time in 15 years: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 “Choral” [On Sale Now!]
Symphony No. 9 “Choral”Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven’s extremely famous Symphony No.

9 in D minor, Op.

125 “Choral” is a monumental masterpiece that not only possesses a comprehensive character—almost a culmination of music before the Classical era—but also served as a signpost for the coming age of Romantic music.

The fourth movement is performed with soloists and chorus and is well known as the “Ode to Joy.” Although the original lyrics are in German, they have been translated into virtually every language in the world.

Beethoven had been nurturing the conception of this work since he was 22 years old; in a sense, it was his life’s work, and its impact on not only the music world but also culture and the arts is immeasurable.

Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, “Eroica,” Op. 55Ludwig van Beethoven

It’s the symphony Beethoven composed with Napoleon in mind, also known as the “Eroica.” He admired Napoleon as a hero of the common people and wrote this piece, but it is said that after Napoleon became emperor, Beethoven grew disillusioned with him.

Pathetique, Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven Pathetique Sonata – 2nd movement “Pathétique” Movement 2, Eric Heidsieck
Pathetique, Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven

It is one of Beethoven’s three great piano sonatas, among the many masterpieces he left behind.

Although he is famous for his dramatic contrasts, this piece is one he composed at the age of 27, and you can sense the worries and struggles of his youth.

The work also carries an elegant, calm atmosphere, as if trying to soothe the emotions.

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15 / Alfred Brendel (p), Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Simon Rattle, December 1997
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15Ludwig van Beethoven

This is a commercial introducing Apple Music Classical, an app for listening to classical music.

The transition from casual smartphone use to a full orchestra expresses how you can easily enjoy a lifelike sense of presence.

It also clearly highlights the app’s breadth, allowing searches by what each person focuses on—such as performers or conductors.

The background music features Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.

1 in C major, Op.

15.

Its dynamic performance, with flowing piano melodies and powerful strings, is captivating.

The commercial shows actual performance scenes, making it a very appealing video for classical music enthusiasts.

Symphony No. 8Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven – Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 (1962), Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic
Symphony No. 8Ludwig van Beethoven

It was premiered together with the Symphony No.

7, and while the Seventh became popular, he is said to have remarked, “The reason the audience cannot understand this piece (the Eighth) is that it is simply too good.” Among his symphonies, it is shorter in performance time and follows traditional classical forms, yet it is a masterpiece that displays original ingenuity and expression.

“Waldstein” Sonata, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” – I. Allegro con brio
"Waldstein" Sonata, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Although Beethoven led a tragic life, some of the pieces he composed are, of course, in a bright tone.

This piece is characterized by a cheerful, light melody.

It is truly a perfect choice to highlight an enjoyable August summer.

Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” Op. 27 No. 2, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven / Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” Op. 27 No. 2, First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” Op. 27 No. 2, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.

14 “Moonlight,” Op.

27-2, First Movement.

Its weighty melody is quiet yet carries a powerful impact.

Of course, it will sound impressive at a recital as well.

As for the difficulty of this piece, it’s actually very easy.

In fact, it’s considered beginner level and is frequently performed by children at recitals.

For those who have recently started learning the piano, it offers advantages in both how striking it sounds and how manageable it is to play.