Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
Here are some recommended works from the many masterpieces left by the German composer Johannes Brahms.
If you get to know Brahms—hailed as one of the “Three Bs” of German music alongside Bach and Beethoven—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a classical music connoisseur.
His Symphony No.
1, composed with deep respect for Beethoven, was so strongly influenced by him that the conductor of its premiere, Hans von Bülow, famously called it “Beethoven’s Tenth Symphony.”
Please enjoy the world of Brahms, which continues to be cherished by classical music fans today.
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Johannes Brahms Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- Cello Masterpieces: A comprehensive introduction to exquisite classical works that let you savor its profound timbre
- Masterpieces for Harp: A curated selection of distinguished works featuring noble and delicate tones
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- Gabriel Fauré | Introduction to His Famous and Representative Works
- [Quartet] Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for String Quartet
- J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
Brahms’ masterpieces. Popular classical music (71–80)
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56aJohannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms’s 1873 masterpiece Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op.
56a—also known as the Haydn Variations or Variations on the St.
Anthony Chorale—features a consistently gentle melody that unfolds while giving each variation its own character.
It’s a perfect piece for a leisurely weekend morning.
With its slightly noble tone, it also pairs nicely with breakfast listening.
Be sure to give it a try.
Hungarian Dance No. 7Johannes Brahms
Brahms’s Hungarian Dances were originally written for piano four hands.
However, none of the pieces in the set—not just No.
7—has an opus number.
This is because they are not original compositions by Brahms but rather transcriptions and arrangements of Hungarian Romani music.
In fact, after publication he was sued for plagiarism, but he won the case on the grounds that they were labeled as arrangements.
Be that as it may, the springy rhythms and powerful melodies have a distinctly folk-dance character that really sets the heart dancing!
Hungarian Dances (Orchestral Version)Johannes Brahms
Brahms was a German composer.
In his youth, during a concert tour with the Hungarian violinist Reményi, Brahms became acquainted with Hungarian Gypsy music.
In his Hungarian Dances, the somewhat plaintive rhythms and melodies of Gypsy music are strongly present.
Violin Sonata No. 1 “Rain Song”Johannes Brahms
I will introduce two violin pieces by Brahms.
This violin sonata is based on one of the composer’s own songs, known as “Rain Song,” and its melody appears in various transformed guises throughout.
It is a very beautiful work, combining the meticulously crafted structure characteristic of Brahms with richly expressive, human emotion in its melodies.
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms, renowned as a master of Romantic music.
In the summer of 1886, by the shores of Lake Thun in Switzerland, he composed a sonata for violin and piano that is regarded as the most lyrical of his three sonatas.
Characterized by graceful, dreamlike sonorities, the work overflows with a bright, expansive atmosphere, befitting a piece written during a happy period in Brahms’s life.
Its gentle, supple melodies unfold to create a pleasing resonance that stirs rich emotions.
It is as if the natural, scenic surroundings in which it was composed are expressed through the music itself.
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77Johannes Brahms
A masterpiece by a giant of the German Romantic school, weaving a powerful melody.
The rich musical landscape created by solo violin and orchestra stirs the listener’s heart.
Its appeal lies in the varied structure: a forceful, passionate first movement; a lyrical second; and a brilliant, heroic finale.
Premiered in Leipzig on January 1, 1879, the piece was initially deemed “unplayable,” yet it is now beloved by many violinists.
Highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for anyone who wants to fully savor the allure of the violin.
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35Johannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms, a leading composer of the German Romantic era, was born in Hamburg and died in Vienna.
He displayed musical talent from a young age and secured his reputation after being recognized by Robert Schumann.
Composed between 1862 and 1863, the Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op.
35, consists of 28 variations on the theme of Niccolò Paganini’s Caprice No.
24 in A minor.
It is known both for its profound expressiveness and as a study demanding transcendent virtuosity.
Brahms himself described it as “a piano study for refined fingers,” and its music—woven from passionate melodies and brilliant passages—leaves a powerful impression on listeners.
Requiring both advanced technique and deep musicality, this work is a pianist’s aspiration and a celebrated piece frequently performed in piano competitions.