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! (21–30)
Six Minuets No. 2, WoO 10 in G majorLudwig van Beethoven
This is a famous piece often used in TV commercials, taken from one of the piano arrangements of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Six Minuets, WoO 10, originally composed for orchestra in 1795.
Although it was written for orchestra, only the piano arrangement survives today.
It requires careful practice to align the right-hand chords and maintain precise rhythm, but the overall difficulty is not very high, making it a popular choice for beginner pianists as a study piece or recital selection.
By contrasting the smooth main theme with the light, step-like character of the middle section, you can achieve a performance with clear definition and charm.
Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat major, “Street Song”Ludwig van Beethoven
The piece was originally written for clarinet, cello, and piano, but the clarinet is sometimes substituted with a violin.
Overall, it is a bright and brilliant work.
It is said to have come to be called the “Street Song” because it was based on an operatic aria that was often sung in the streets of Vienna.
Musik zu einem Ritterballett (Music for a ballet of knghts) WoO 1Ludwig van Beethoven
The Music for the Knights’ Ballet, WoO 1, proceeds to the end with a military-band-like instrumentation of piccolo, clarinet, horn, trumpet, and strings, and the complete absence of a flute may reflect a characteristically German rigidity—perhaps even one that continued into the Hitler era.
No. 4 Where Innocence Scatters Flowers (Op. 117) — Women’s Chorus “Where the Innocent Flowers Are Scattered”Ludwig van Beethoven
I’ve introduced several choral pieces, and this one—where pure flowers are scattered—is a women’s chorus among Beethoven’s works.
It is the fourth piece from The King Stephen, Op.
117.
King Stephen is often said to contain many hidden gems; this one, too, is impressively “Beethoven, yet with a delicate and even charming sound.”
“Schuppanzigh is a scoundrel” (Schuppanzigh ist ein Lump), Praise of the Fat One, WoO 100Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven is often thought of as having a stern image, but this candid cry from the heart is a choral piece composed for and dedicated to Franz Clement, an Austrian violinist who was Beethoven’s pupil and friend.
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-flat major, Op. 26Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No.
12 is popularly known by the nickname “Funeral March.” Its third movement has been arranged for orchestra and wind band, and it is often performed at the funerals of dignitaries.
The respectful, beautiful melody resonates with people and evokes a sense of shared feeling.
Piano Sonata No. 25 in G major, Op. 79Ludwig van Beethoven
It’s a piece sometimes called “The Cuckoo” because its melodic motif resembles a cuckoo’s call.
Charming, light, and approachable, it’s a short miniature among Beethoven’s piano sonatas and is considered relatively easy to play.