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 His Masterpieces and Signature Works! (51–60)
Piano Sonata No. 20, Op. 49 No. 2, First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s piano sonatas are renowned for their high difficulty, and performing an entire sonata is a dream many people share.
Among them, however, Sonata No.
20 is known for being less challenging.
This time, I’d like to introduce Piano Sonata No.
20, Op.
49 No.
2.
Although it may seem difficult due to its lively, bird-like rapid passages, once you grasp the rhythm, the piece relies largely on repetition, making it approachable even for beginners.
Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78 “Therese”Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
24, dedicated to a woman he admired, consists of two movements and is characterized by a delicate, graceful sonority that seems to express his romantic feelings through music.
Dedicated to his piano pupil, Countess Thérèse von Brunsvik, it is also known by the nickname “Thérèse.” The first movement is notable for its warm introduction and leisurely main theme, while the second movement has a light, lively atmosphere.
Composed in 1809, it is said to have been one of Beethoven’s own favorites.
Why not immerse yourself in a romantic mood, carried by the tones of the piano?
Piano Sonata No. 15, Op. 28 “Pastoral,” Movement IILudwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s famous work Piano Sonata No.
15, Op.
28 “Pastoral,” Second Movement.
Among the pieces introduced here, this one is particularly challenging; while it still falls within the intermediate level, it belongs to the upper tier of intermediate.
In practical terms, if you can play “Farewell to the Piano” (Chopin’s “Tristesse”/Etude Op.
10 No.
3), you should be able to tackle this piece without issue.
In particular, the accompaniment that evokes sustained low tones of wind instruments requires a fair amount of stamina.
Its beautiful melody, which conjures images of the countryside, sounds wonderful in recitals, so do give it a try.
Symphony No. 5 “Fate”Ludwig van Beethoven
When you mention Beethoven’s “Fate,” doesn’t everyone think of the famous opening “da-da-da-DUM”? It’s said that this title comes from Beethoven’s reported remark about the opening motif—“Thus fate knocks at the door”—as relayed by his pupil, Schindler.
This motif is also known as the “fate motif,” and it appears throughout the piece.
Try listening while searching for it.
[Beethoven] A selection of famous and representative works! (61–70)
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57Ludwig van Beethoven
Known by the nickname “Appassionata,” this is a work from Beethoven’s middle period.
Along with the “Moonlight” and “Pathétique,” it is considered one of Beethoven’s three great sonatas.
The most popular movement is the third, notable for its striking melody brimming with a breathless, driven urgency.
MinuetLudwig van Beethoven
The second piece in G major from Beethoven’s “Six Minuets,” composed in 1795.
It was originally written for orchestra, but only the piano arrangement survives today.
The “Minuet in G” is also known as a violin miniature, and there are versions with harmony added a third below.
Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 2 No. 1, Fourth MovementLudwig van Beethoven
This piece captivates with its powerful and passionate performance.
Written in cut time (2/2) at a prestissimo (very fast) tempo, its driving development—woven from triplet arpeggios and chordal pulsations—grabs the listener’s heart.
The contrast between piano and forte dynamics is used effectively, and the secondary theme, marked by sequential descending octaves, is striking and full of allure that draws in the entire hall.
Ludwig van Beethoven published this work in 1796 with Artaria in Vienna and dedicated it to his teacher, Franz Joseph Haydn.
Highly recommended as a concert repertoire piece for performers confident in their technique, it is sure to captivate any audience.