Ludwig van Beethoven Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78 “Therese”Ludwig van Beethoven50rank/position

Beethoven Sonata N° 24 Daniel Barenboim

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. 8, Op. 13 “Pathétique,” Second MovementLudwig van Beethoven51rank/position

Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique,” 2nd Movement (Beethoven) Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique” 2nd Movement

The masterpiece that has etched its name in music history, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.

8 in C minor, Op.

13 “Pathétique,” Second Movement.

Alongside the “Moonlight” Sonata, it is a popular choice for recitals.

Because the first movement and the finale are technically demanding, performing the entire sonata is quite challenging; however, the second movement is relatively accessible, so focusing on this movement alone is also recommended.

Practice triplets, the balance between accompaniment and melody, and pedaling with care to achieve a polished, high-quality performance.

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Ryo

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Piano Sonata No. 23 “Appassionata”Ludwig van Beethoven52rank/position

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor “Appassionata,” Op. 57 — Backhaus

Among his many piano works, the Appassionata is considered one of the most intense.

Beethoven, who was teaching piano to Josephine, the sister of his friend Count Brunsvik, master of a palace, fell in love with her.

However, they could not overcome the divide between commoner and aristocrat, and in the end the two were never united.

It is said that the Appassionata was written amid the anguish of this unfulfilled love.

Its boldly and rapidly shifting dynamics and the powerful chords that seem to shatter the melody convey the fierce emotions Beethoven kept hidden in his heart.

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HATSUMI

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Piano Sonata “Tempest” No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2Ludwig van Beethoven53rank/position

Beethoven | Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, “The Tempest” | Daniel Barenboim

Composed in 1802, this piano sonata became an innovative work that signaled a new direction in his creative output.

Consisting of three movements, it moves from a quiet introduction to an eruption of intense emotion in the first movement, expresses deep sorrow and introspection in the second, and brims with vitality in the third, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.

The piece seems to reflect Beethoven’s deteriorating hearing and his conflicts with those around him.

It is a work that captures the forces of nature and the depths of human emotion—truly deserving to be called one of his masterpieces.

Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”Ludwig van Beethoven54rank/position

Sviatoslav Richter in Prague, 1975 – Beethoven Hammerklavier

Beethoven’s late masterpiece, the Piano Sonata “Hammerklavier,” is a landmark work that dramatically expanded the possibilities of piano music.

Comprising four movements, it is renowned for its formidable technical demands and profound musical depth.

The third movement in particular paints a meditative world that reflects Beethoven’s inner turmoil and sense of isolation.

Completed in 1818, the sonata pursues distinct timbres and expressions in each movement, reflecting the piano’s evolution at the time.

It’s a piece I highly recommend to anyone who wants to savor piano music on a deeper level.

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathétique’Ludwig van Beethoven55rank/position

Daniel Barenboim plays Beethoven Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 (Pathetique)

The title “Pathétique” was given by Beethoven himself.

As the title suggests, the piece has a solemn, tragic tone.

It is one of Beethoven’s three great piano sonatas, and the second movement—renowned for its particularly beautiful melody—is used in many contexts and is very famous.

Piano Sonata “Moonlight,” No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2Ludwig van Beethoven56rank/position

Beethoven Sonata N° 14 ‘moonlight’ Daniel Barenboim

A piano sonata completed by Beethoven in 1801.

Its first movement’s mysterious atmosphere evokes the image of a moonlit lake, which is why it is affectionately known as the “Moonlight” Sonata.

Comprising three movements, the first is characterized by delicate arpeggios; the second serves as a bright, intermezzo-like contrast; and the third shifts into a virtuosic and tempestuous character.

Beethoven wrote it as he was beginning to lose his hearing, and there is an anecdote that he dedicated it to a 16-year-old aristocratic girl who was his pupil.

Lauded as a forerunner of Romantic music for its innovative structure, it’s a recommended piece not only for classical music lovers but also for anyone who wishes to contemplate life and emotion through music.