Johannes Brahms Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38Johannes Brahms43rank/position

Brahms：Cello Sonata No.1／Yo-Yo Ma & Emanuel Ax（1985）

This is Johannes Brahms’s Cello Sonata No.

1 in E minor, Op.

38.

It is a sonata consisting of three movements—First movement: Allegro non troppo; Second movement: Allegretto quasi menuetto; Third movement: Allegro.

Brahms began composing it in 1862 and completed it three years later, in 1865.

Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56aJohannes Brahms44rank/position

Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: I. Theme (Chorale St. Anthony)

Johannes Brahms’s 1873 masterpiece Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op.

56a—also known as the Haydn Variations or Variations on the St.

Anthony Chorale—features a consistently gentle melody that unfolds while giving each variation its own character.

It’s a perfect piece for a leisurely weekend morning.

With its slightly noble tone, it also pairs nicely with breakfast listening.

Be sure to give it a try.

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Ryo

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Hungarian Dance No. 7Johannes Brahms45rank/position

Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: Hungarian Dance No. 7 in F Major. Allegretto (Orch. Schmeling)

Brahms’s Hungarian Dances were originally written for piano four hands.

However, none of the pieces in the set—not just No.

7—has an opus number.

This is because they are not original compositions by Brahms but rather transcriptions and arrangements of Hungarian Romani music.

In fact, after publication he was sued for plagiarism, but he won the case on the grounds that they were labeled as arrangements.

Be that as it may, the springy rhythms and powerful melodies have a distinctly folk-dance character that really sets the heart dancing!

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Housui Sachiyo

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Hungarian Dances (Orchestral Version)Johannes Brahms46rank/position

Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dances – Wiener Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado (Audio video)

Brahms was a German composer.

In his youth, during a concert tour with the Hungarian violinist Reményi, Brahms became acquainted with Hungarian Gypsy music.

In his Hungarian Dances, the somewhat plaintive rhythms and melodies of Gypsy music are strongly present.

Violin Sonata No. 1 “Rain Song”Johannes Brahms47rank/position

Brahms – Violin Sonata No 1 in G Mag op. 78

I will introduce two violin pieces by Brahms.

This violin sonata is based on one of the composer’s own songs, known as “Rain Song,” and its melody appears in various transformed guises throughout.

It is a very beautiful work, combining the meticulously crafted structure characteristic of Brahms with richly expressive, human emotion in its melodies.

Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100Johannes Brahms48rank/position

Augustin Hadelich and Orion Weiss play Brahms sonata no. 2 in A Major Op. 100

Johannes Brahms, renowned as a master of Romantic music.

In the summer of 1886, by the shores of Lake Thun in Switzerland, he composed a sonata for violin and piano that is regarded as the most lyrical of his three sonatas.

Characterized by graceful, dreamlike sonorities, the work overflows with a bright, expansive atmosphere, befitting a piece written during a happy period in Brahms’s life.

Its gentle, supple melodies unfold to create a pleasing resonance that stirs rich emotions.

It is as if the natural, scenic surroundings in which it was composed are expressed through the music itself.

Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77Johannes Brahms49rank/position

Brahms – Violin concerto – Oistrakh / Klemperer

A masterpiece by a giant of the German Romantic school, weaving a powerful melody.

The rich musical landscape created by solo violin and orchestra stirs the listener’s heart.

Its appeal lies in the varied structure: a forceful, passionate first movement; a lyrical second; and a brilliant, heroic finale.

Premiered in Leipzig on January 1, 1879, the piece was initially deemed “unplayable,” yet it is now beloved by many violinists.

Highly recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for anyone who wants to fully savor the allure of the violin.