Ludwig van Beethoven Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Sonata No. 14Ludwig van Beethoven15rank/position

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight” in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 — Horowitz

A piece imbued with deep emotion stirs the heart like undulating waves in silence.

Even in loneliness bathed in moonlight, its flowing melody seems to speak directly to the soul through the ears.

Nestling quietly as if blending into the darkness, its loneliness-spinning melody can serve as background music that fosters pleasant focus, even while studying or working.

Composed by Beethoven in 1801, this work is affectionately known as “Moonlight” for its beauty.

Not only as BGM for getting things done, but also as a drop of sound that accompanies everyday life, listening to this movement can offer a fleeting moment of calm amid busy days.

Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven16rank/position

Beethoven / Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight,” Op. 27 No. 2, First Movement

Ludwig van Beethoven’s masterpiece, Piano Sonata No.

14, Op.

27-2 “Moonlight,” First Movement.

Its weighty melody is tranquil yet carries a powerful impact.

Naturally, it makes a striking impression in recitals as well.

Surprisingly, the difficulty level of this piece is relatively accessible! It is often performed at recitals by children and by adults who have only recently begun lessons.

For those who want to choose a showy piece that also happens to be a universally known classic, this work is a perfect fit.

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Ryo

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Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven17rank/position

Sonata No. 8 in C Minor for Piano, Op. 13 “Pathétique”: II. Adagio cantabile

This is a work composed in his youth by the great master of classical music, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Published in 1799, this piece is known as a representative example of Beethoven’s early period.

An ambitious attempt to express the sorrows of youth through music, it is characterized by a dramatic tone and beautiful melodies.

The second movement is particularly popular, with a gentle, songlike melody that moves the listener’s heart.

Although it coincides with the period when Beethoven’s hearing began to deteriorate, one can also sense the strength with which he sought to overcome the pain and sadness.

It is a highly recommended piece for those just beginning to take an interest in classical music.

Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven18rank/position

Beethoven: Ode to Joy Pianist Yuki Kondo / Beethoven: Ode to Joy Piano, Yuki Kondo

Many classic masterpieces are out of copyright and in the public domain, which makes it great that you can download sheet music for free.

Beethoven’s ultra-famous “Ode to Joy” is one of them, and it’s a piece I highly recommend for anyone who wants to try playing it as a solo piano arrangement.

Performing the entire piece perfectly from start to finish is by no means easy, but as introduced in this article, you might start by practicing with a score that at least lets you play the main theme.

In this arrangement, the right hand plays the principal melody while the left hand plays chordal harmonies, so you can simply enjoy the melody of “Ode to Joy.” That said, be sure to observe the dynamic markings, and even within a short excerpt, try to play with an awareness of the piece’s dramatic development.

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KOH-1

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Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79, Movement IIILudwig van Beethoven19rank/position

Easy Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79, 3rd movement — Gentle/Beginner-friendly Beethoven / Piano Sonata No. 25, 3rd movement

A gem of a masterpiece, performed at an andante tempo with an elegant 9/8 rhythm.

Its gentle melody, like a swaying boat, evokes a soothing sense of being rocked by calm waves.

Though composed in 1809, its appeal has not faded, continuing to captivate many pianists.

This movement is brief at just 34 measures, yet it condenses delicate emotional expression, leaving a strong impression with its romantic and lyrical atmosphere.

Structured in ABA form, the piece fully draws out the piano’s expressive power, and its graceful melody resonates deeply.

Highly recommended for lovers of the piano, it is ideal for those who wish to spend quiet moments in contemplation with music.

Symphony No. 5 “Fate”Ludwig van Beethoven20rank/position

This commercial uses CG to visualize Ryoma Sakamoto and leverages AI to recreate his voice.

Paired with Ryoma’s words about wanting to travel the world and absorb what he sees, the spot culminates in the striking tagline, “For those who keep challenging.” The background music is a remixed version of Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No.

5, “Fate.” It’s a compelling track that revitalizes a classical masterpiece with the tight beat of a drum machine.

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Hane Keisuke

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Six Minuets No. 2, WoO 10 in G majorLudwig van Beethoven21rank/position

L. V. Beethoven / Minuet in G major

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.

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yuri

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