Johannes Brahms Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Six Pieces, Op. 118: No. 1, Intermezzo in A minorJohannes Brahms29rank/position

Brahms: Six Pieces, Op. 118 – No. 1, Intermezzo in A minor; Piano: Eri Mantani

When it comes to Brahms pieces that aficionados love, many people might think of his Six Pieces, Op.

118.

This time, I’d like to introduce the first piece, the Intermezzo, from that set.

As a late work, it features many lyrical melodies, characterized by a blend of romantic atmosphere and pianistic technique.

If you have small hands, try breaking the chords into arpeggios—it will instantly make it easier to play, so give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Six Pieces, Op. 118: No. 4, Intermezzo in F minorJohannes Brahms30rank/position

Chenyin Li plays Brahms Intermezzo Op 118 No 4

Brahms’s set of piano pieces Six Pieces, published in 1893, is characteristic of his late style, marked by introspection and profound emotional expression.

The fourth piece has an atmosphere that, while gentle, contains instability and tension, and it showcases Brahms’s favored contrapuntal writing.

The opening’s restrained emotions gradually build, reach a climax, and then subside, ending as if fading away.

When performing it, it’s effective to create a striking contrast in the middle section.

It’s a piece that piano learners are highly encouraged to tackle.

Six Pieces, Op. 118 No. 5: RomanceJohannes Brahms31rank/position

Brahms / Six Pieces, Op. 118 No. 5, Romance in F major / pf. Shohei Sekimoto

Brahms’s late collection Six Pieces is frequently performed at piano recitals.

While No.

2 is the most famous of the set, this time I’d like to introduce No.

5, “Romance.” Brahms is known for paying little heed to programmatic titles, yet this piece leaves a striking impression with its exquisitely refined, sweet character—especially the middle section, whose melody is particularly captivating.

That said, it is also quite demanding: there are fast passages that call for a certain amount of technical practice.

And because beautiful music relies on a delicate touch, it’s also recommended for those who want to refine their expressive palette and improve their relaxation and finger control.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Six Pieces, Op. 118 No. 2: Intermezzo in A majorJohannes Brahms32rank/position

Brahms Intermezzo in A major Op. 118, No. 2

A short piano piece woven with kindness and deep emotion.

Completed in 1893, this late work by Brahms carries his special feelings for Clara Schumann—Robert Schumann’s wife and Brahms’s close friend.

Beneath its gentle melody lie quiet passion and nostalgia that resonate deeply with listeners.

There is no flashy virtuosity, but a strong inclination to explore inner musical depth, demanding a high level of expressiveness from the performer.

When you wish to reflect quietly on love or the resignation that comes with life, why not listen to this piece?

Intermezzo, No. 2 from Six PiecesJohannes Brahms33rank/position

Brahms Intermezzo A Major Op 118 No 2 Lupu Rec 1976.wmv

Johannes Brahms composed Six Pieces in his later years.

The second piece, Intermezzo, is marked to be played tenderly and with affection, and it exudes a benevolent, compassionate character.

Completed in 1893, it was dedicated to his close friend Clara Schumann.

The inner-voice melody is striking, and it is important to perform it at a singable tempo with heartfelt expression.

Brahms called this work a “monologue,” intending for performers and listeners to engage in a dialogue with their inner selves through the music.

With its long-breathed quality, like quiet respiration in solitude and silence, it possesses a timeless beauty suited both to contemplation before the performance and to the lingering afterglow that follows.

7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 4, Intermezzo in E majorJohannes Brahms34rank/position

(SCORE) Brahms / Jorg Demus, 1969: Intermezzo E major Op. 116 No. 4 – MHS 1686

Brahms’s masterpiece Seven Fantasies combines dreamy and passionate sides.

This time, I’ll introduce No.

4, Intermezzo, from Op.

116, which has a particularly dreamy character.

Marked Adagio with a nocturne-like atmosphere, the piece is overall relaxed, featuring a beautiful, appealing melody.

When performing, be careful: with multiple voices and a detailed sixteenth-note accompaniment in the left hand, the right-hand melody can easily get buried.

Practice finger independence, and for the fine-note accompaniment, try playing with the feeling of lightly tracing the keys.

It’s also a great piece for those looking to refine their expressive skills.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Seven Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 5, Intermezzo in E minorJohannes Brahms35rank/position

Brahms: 7 Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 5, Intermezzo (Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento)…

Brahms composed the solo piano collection Seven Fantasies at the age of 59.

The fifth piece, with its gentle, swaying rhythmic feel, is a beautiful work suffused with an introspective atmosphere.

Its simple melody in 6/8 time is said to reflect Brahms’s late-life solitude and his meditations on death.

The performance direction, “gracefully and with the most inward feeling,” also makes clear that the piece calls for delicate, deeply personal expression.

Within its soft, dreamlike aura, elegance and melancholy intersect.

It’s a recommended piece for anyone wishing to experience Brahms’s profound emotions and rich musicality.