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 Famous and Representative Pieces! (1–10)
Violin Sonata No. 9 “Kreutzer”Ludwig van Beethoven
It is called “Kreutzer” because it was dedicated to the French composer and violinist Rodolphe Kreutzer.
It is as popular as the violin sonata “Spring.” It is said to have been written several years after he lost his hearing.
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 “Fate”Ludwig van Beethoven
When it comes to Beethoven’s music, this is probably the first piece that comes to mind for many people.
It didn’t originally have the title “Fate”; it was added later because Beethoven himself described the opening motif as “fate knocking at the door.” Comprising four movements, it begins with a passage that evokes a slight sense of fear and unease, and concludes with a bright and resplendent tone that conveys a feeling of hope.
Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”Ludwig van Beethoven
Among Beethoven’s piano concertos, this grand work boasts the greatest scale in both performance length and instrumentation.
Though the title “Emperor” was not given by Beethoven himself, it feels apt given the music’s stately character and majestic structure.
It remains one of his most frequently performed and highly popular works today.
Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven
The piece that is commonly recognized as being written by Beethoven for a woman named Elise is actually said to have been for a woman named Therese.
Beethoven’s handwriting was so messy that the transcriber apparently misread it as ‘Elise.’ For those learning piano, it’s surely a piece you’d want to try playing at least once.
It’s a simple yet beautiful composition.
Piano Sonata “Les Adieux” No. 26, Op. 81aLudwig van Beethoven
The piece weaves in the story of Beethoven’s friend, Archduke Rudolph, who fled Vienna to avoid the invasion by Napoleon’s army.
The title “Les Adieux” (“Farewell”) was given by Beethoven himself.
Each movement has a subtitle: the first is “Farewell,” the second “Absence,” and the third “Return.”
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral”Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s Symphony “Pastoral,” completed in 1808, is a masterpiece that expresses love and reverence for nature through music.
Comprising five movements, it vividly depicts the tranquility and beauty of the countryside and scenes from nature.
Particularly notable is the second movement, with string motifs that imitate flowing water and woodwind timbres that evoke the songs of the nightingale, quail, and cuckoo.
The fourth movement offers a strikingly realistic portrayal of a thunderstorm, overwhelming the listener.
The work embodies Beethoven’s desire for a peaceful state of mind amid nature.
Highly recommended for those who wish to experience the beauty of nature through music.
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”Ludwig van Beethoven
It is such a monumental work that it is often counted among Beethoven’s three great piano sonatas, and it is also considered the finest of his piano sonatas.
As the title suggests, from beginning to end it is entirely passionate—a piece that evokes the image of flames blazing and roaring.