Johannes Brahms Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1Johannes Brahms1rank/position

Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 1 in B minor — Piano: Eri Mantani

A solo piano work composed by Brahms in 1879.

Consisting of two pieces, the work was originally titled “Two Piano Pieces,” but was later renamed “Two Rhapsodies.” No.

1 begins powerfully and expresses intense emotion.

Its structure features a quiet middle section before returning to vigorous motion, and it concludes softly.

For the repeated octaves and fortes, it is best to relax as much as possible to avoid tension in the wrist, aiming to convey strength through key-attack speed and the weight of the arm.

Hungarian Dance No. 5Johannes Brahms2rank/position

[Piano Duet] Hungarian Dance No. 5 / Brahms / Piano Duo Lumière / Ungarische Tänze Nr. 5 / Hungarian Dances No. 5 / Brahms / 4 Hands Piano

When asked, “What comes to mind for classic piano four-hand pieces?” many people will think of this work! Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dances is a collection of piano duets consisting of 21 pieces in four books.

Based on the music of the Hungarian Roma, these pieces are also highly popular in their orchestral versions.

Among them, No.

5 from Book I is especially well-known and frequently performed in concerts due to its high popularity and recognition.

The characteristic—and challenging—feature of this piece is the flexible tempo that reflects the freedom of Romani music.

Feel each other’s breathing and align your timing perfectly as you play.

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yuri

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Like a melodyJohannes Brahms3rank/position

Brahms: "As if it were melody" — from the album "Poésie: Playing Poetry (Song)"

The moment you try to put it into words, it disappears.

Such delicate feelings are depicted in music in the first song of Johannes Brahms’s collection Fünf Lieder, Op.

105.

Based on a poem by Klaus Groth, something that flits through the heart flows like a melody, blossoms like a flower, and drifts like a fragrance—yet the instant it is spoken, it fades like mist.

This paradoxical beauty is woven in sound.

Premiered in Vienna in February 1887, the work is written for low voice and piano, and it holds a deep afterglow within restrained emotion.

Played in a quiet graduation moment—say, during the presentation of diplomas—it can gently let feelings that words cannot fully convey seep into the heart.

Six Pieces for Piano, Op. 118 No. 3 “Ballade”Johannes Brahms4rank/position

Brahms: Six Pieces, Op. 118 No. 3, Ballade in G minor — Piano: Eri Mantani

Johannes Brahms, one of Germany’s greatest composers.

Brahms wrote many pieces at an intermediate level, but among them I especially recommend “Six Pieces for Piano, Op.

118 No.

3: Ballade.” It’s a piece marked by the weighty, powerful melodies that are quintessential Brahms.

In terms of difficulty, it’s roughly equivalent to Czerny Nos.

40–50.

Although this work is said to be challenging at the beginning and end, the middle section requires legato technique in double notes, so rather than treating it like a piece with relentless, flashy passages, pay careful attention to the details as you perform it.

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Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 No. 2Johannes Brahms5rank/position

Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 – No. 2 in G minor / Piano: Riyoko Iida

Composed by Brahms in 1879, this work is distinguished by its octave theme hammered out in the lower register.

A contrasting melody with a dark, undulating motion in triplets appears, and this idea is treated developmentally in the middle section as well.

Elements of sonata form are strongly reflected, and throughout the piece one senses Brahms’s profound musical insight.

While respecting classical formal beauty, it also captivates with the passionate expression characteristic of the Romantic era.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who want to challenge themselves both technically and expressively.

Intermezzo, Op. 118 No. 2Johannes Brahms6rank/position

[4K・High Quality Sound] Intermezzo Op.118 No.2 / J. Brahms — Brahms: Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2

A piece whose gentle, graceful melody seeps into the heart.

Like waves that ebb and flow, its unhurried lines carry deep emotion and quiet reflection.

Written in 1893, it is characterized by a singing right-hand melody supported by soft left-hand chords.

In the middle section, it unfolds with passion, yet returns to the calm theme, evoking the rises and falls of life.

Expressing the stillness of an autumn dusk and feelings held within, this work is ideal for those who wish to experience the piano’s profound allure or refine delicate expressive skills.

Rather than technical bravura, it calls for attention to color and emotional nuance—an invitation to take it on with care and sensitivity.

Hungarian Dances No. 1Johannes Brahms7rank/position

Brahms / Hungarian Dances No. 1, WoO 1 / Piano Duo DUO

Among the works by Johannes Brahms, a leading composer of the Romantic era, this piece is especially popular.

Written for piano four hands, it captivates with its lively rhythms and passionate melodies.

It is said to reflect Brahms’s encounters with Romani folk music during his concert tours in Germany; while based on Hungarian folk music, it also bears Brahms’s distinctive interpretation.

Upon its publication in 1869, it met with great acclaim, and it was later arranged for solo piano and for orchestra.

This is a guaranteed showstopper that lets you fully savor the richness and opulence unique to piano duets, where two players breathe as one.