Johannes Brahms Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79: No. 2 in G minorJohannes Brahms22rank/position

Ragna Schirmer – Brahms Rhapsody op.79/2

Johannes Brahms is one of the leading composers of the German Romantic school.

While honoring the formal beauty of Classicism, he left many works that also embody the lyricism characteristic of Romanticism.

The second piece of Two Rhapsodies, Op.

79, is striking for its grand main theme and its dark, surging triplet melody.

Within its passionate character, it preserves the framework of classical sonata form, and its performance demands advanced technique and deep musical understanding.

Though highly challenging both technically and expressively, it is a work I would strongly recommend to those who can dynamically convey a quiet, inner passion.

Three Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 1 in E-flat majorJohannes Brahms23rank/position

Brahms: Three Intermezzi, Op. 117 – No. 1, pf. Yurino Izumi

The young Brahms created a masterpiece, Three Intermezzi.

Known for treating the piano as a member of the orchestra, this work is still performed by many pianists today.

Among them, I particularly recommend Three Intermezzi, Op.

117 No.

1.

While the set as a whole is technically demanding, No.

1 is structured in a way that makes it approachable even for beginners.

Please give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Three Intermezzos, Op. 117 – No. 2Johannes Brahms24rank/position

Brahms “Three Intermezzi” Op. 117 No. 2 / Pf: Miyuki Kodama

A composer born in Germany, he is hailed as one of the Three Bs along with Beethoven and Bach.

This piece, with flashes of brightness and melancholy, is profoundly epic and wonderful.

It seems the background of its composition involved an engagement, a broken engagement, and many worries.

You can catch glimpses of that throughout the music.

Four Ballades, Op. 10 No. 1 in D minorJohannes Brahms25rank/position

Brahms: Four Ballades, No. 1 in D minor “Edward,” Op. 10 / Ayumi Iga

Brahms’s masterpiece “Four Ballades, Op.

10 No.

1” features a weighty, beautiful melody.

It’s generally considered to be at an intermediate level of difficulty.

While there aren’t many large leaps, there are many octaves, which might be challenging if you’re not used to them.

However, because the tempo is slow and there are no fast passages, I recommend giving it a try.

It’s a piece that makes a strong impression, so you might consider performing it at a piano recital.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 1, Intermezzo in B minorJohannes Brahms26rank/position

Brahms / “Intermezzo,” 4 Pieces No. 1 in B minor, Op. 119-1, pf: Tomoyo Umemura

Brahms’s masterpiece Four Pieces features melodies that are both dazzling and delicately tinged with softness.

Here, we introduce the first piece, the Intermezzo.

It’s recommended for beginners approaching the intermediate level: its relaxed pacing allows the left hand to prepare comfortably for the next accompaniment.

On the other hand, there are a few leaps, so it’s important not to rely solely on sight when playing.

It’s a piece that offers significant growth, so be sure to check it out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 2, Intermezzo in E minorJohannes Brahms27rank/position

Brahms – Intermezzo Op.119 No.2 (Nelson Freire, piano)

Brahms’s late work Four Pieces includes a second piece in which chords and melody unfold at a relaxed tempo, ebbing and flowing like waves of emotion.

Amid its dark, brooding atmosphere, a melancholic beauty occasionally surfaces—one of its distinctive traits.

Composed during a summer holiday in the spa town of Bad Ischl, the piece is said to reflect Brahms’s inner feelings.

Though brief, it possesses remarkable depth and embodies his musical maturity.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy quiet, introspective music.

Four Pieces, Op. 119: No. 3, Intermezzo in C minorJohannes Brahms28rank/position

Elisabeth Brauß – Brahms: 4 Piano Pieces Op. 119 No-. 3 in C Major Intermezzo Grazioso e giocoso

This piece, included in Brahms’s final collection for piano, Four Pieces, is particularly striking.

Written when he was approaching sixty, it lasts only about a minute and a half, yet its brightness and gentle atmosphere are soothing.

Its rhythmic intricacy and varied phrasing are distinctive, reflecting the mature style of Brahms’s late period.

To highlight the dynamic contrasts, incorporating subtle rubato will help you stay relaxed and achieve a more natural performance.

Try practicing slowly, carefully checking positions and fingerings.