Ludwig van Beethoven Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Symphony No. 9 in D minor, with chorusLudwig van Beethoven92rank/position

Karajan Beethoven “Ode to Joy” 1986

This is a commercial where Kinnikun Nakayama powerfully promotes how great the year-end bargain at Aoyama Tailor is.

Although the specific details like discounts are shown in on-screen text, the visuals and music are so impactful that they might draw attention away from those captions.

Wearing Aoyama clothing, Kinnikun Nakayama sings Symphony No.

9 in D minor, Op.

125 “Choral” using only his signature line, “Ya,” conveying a curious kind of strength.

It’s a commercial that will likely make you chuckle at the sight of many Kinnikun Nakayamas lined up in his iconic “Power” pose.

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String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131Ludwig van Beethoven93rank/position

Beethoven: String Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131

Beethoven’s String Quartet No.

14 in C-sharp minor, Op.

131, composed in 1826, is a masterpiece from his final years.

Although it consists of seven movements, it has a distinctive form in which they are performed continuously without pause.

From the desolate melody of the first movement, through the bright and lively theme of the second, to the powerful, march-like character of the final movement, Beethoven’s creativity and innovation are on full display.

Schubert is said to have remarked upon hearing it, “After this, what is left for us to write?” Its profound expression and structural ingenuity continue to move many listeners even today.

Pathetique, Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven94rank/position

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

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.

the opera FidelioLudwig van Beethoven95rank/position

Fidelio 1978-2

It is the only opera Beethoven completed.

The heroine, Leonore, disguises herself as a man under the name “Fidelio” to infiltrate a prison and rescue her husband, Florestan, who is being held as a political prisoner.

It is also famous as a notoriously difficult piece that challenges singers.

Ode to Joy from the NinthLudwig van Beethoven96rank/position

A girl gives money and is surprised by a grand orchestra performance.

In Japan, Beethoven’s symphonies are so famous that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know them.

His Ninth Symphony is performed almost without fail at the end of the year—so much so that “the Ninth means year’s end, and year’s end means the Ninth” is a familiar saying.

The tradition began after the war, when orchestras in Japan, struggling with low income, started performing the ever-popular Ninth at year’s end to ensure audiences.

True to its title, the piece is full of hope and welcomes the New Year.

While the fourth movement is immensely famous, the opening of the first movement has the feeling of emerging, wandering out of darkness, and the third movement can be listened to calmly at a relaxed pace.

Listening from the first movement through to the fourth anew reveals a grand tale of joy that sets the heart in motion!

fateLudwig van Beethoven97rank/position

Beethoven Symphony No 5 – Seiji Ozawa (FULL)

To be precise, it is Symphony No.

5 in C minor, Op.

67.

Until then, musicians worked under a master–servant relationship, employed by courts and nobility, but Beethoven declared that a musician is an artist and seemingly never abandoned his spirit of independence.

Moreover, despite having a hearing impairment, he went on to compose many masterpieces.

No fence reading ‘No entry beyond this point’ can be put up in the face of great ambition, talent, and diligence.Ludwig van Beethoven98rank/position

Seiji Ozawa Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (Fate)

In life, there are no limits before those who set high goals and keep learning.

Beethoven, who continued composing even as he lost his hearing and created numerous masterpieces, was a person of perseverance and effort.

The masterpieces he produced while overcoming hardships will continue to resonate in people’s hearts forever.