Ranking of popular classical pieces
Timeless classical masterpieces composed hundreds of years ago are still loved today.
We encounter them in many moments of our everyday lives, don’t we?
If you’re a classical music fan, you might go to hear orchestral performances; and if you play the piano or violin, there’s a good chance you’ve performed some of these pieces yourself.
We’ll introduce these classical masterpieces—arguably a genre listened to and cherished around the world like no other—in a ranking format!
It’s a ranking packed with masterpieces that we hope not only beginners to classical music but also dedicated fans will enjoy.
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Ranking of Popular Classical Pieces (71–80)
Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō78rank/position
A beautiful instrumental piece inspired by the image of an auk swooping through the sky.
Taro Hakase’s emotionally rich violin weaves a grand melody that brilliantly captures the breath of nature and the pulse of life.
It was also used as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program Jonetsu Tairiku, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.
The piece is notable for its structure: it begins in the calm of morning and unfolds as if depicting powerful, soaring wingbeats.
It’s a song to listen to when you’re about to take a new step forward or when you need courage.
Etude ‘Railway’ Op.27bCharles Valentin Alkan79rank/position
Charles-Valentin Alkan, one of the leading composers of French Romanticism.
His Étude “Le Chemin de fer” (The Iron Road) Op.
27b is considered one of his most difficult works.
The key feature of this piece is, above all, its dramatic shifts in tempo.
Right from the opening, rapid passages evoking a steam locomotive burst in.
Written largely in sixteenth notes, it keeps the right hand relentlessly busy and demands exceptional finger speed.
It’s a straightforwardly high-difficulty piece, so if you’re confident in your fingerwork, be sure to check it out.
Nocturne No. 8, Op. 27 No. 2Frederic Chopin80rank/position
A masterpiece by Frédéric Chopin that envelops the heart in an elegant, introspective atmosphere.
Its delicate melody evokes a quiet nightscape, punctuated by occasional surges of passion that leave a vivid impression.
Composed in 1836 and published the following year, this piece is among the most popular of Chopin’s nocturnes and is perfect for wedding performances.
Its gentle sonorities seem to bless the happy departure of the bride and groom, drawing guests into attentive silence.
The intimate ambiance unique to a solo piano work is part of its charm.
Classical Popular Songs Ranking (81–90)
Waltz No. 6 in D-flat major “Minute Waltz”Frederic Chopin81rank/position
Written for solo piano, this piece is characterized by its lively and brilliant melody.
The rapid right-hand scales combine exquisitely with the left hand’s steady waltz rhythm, as if depicting a playful puppy scampering about.
Composed between 1846 and 1848, it was dedicated to Countess Delfina Potocka.
Although the performance time is relatively short—about one and a half to two minutes—the piece demands advanced technique and expressive nuance.
It’s recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those learning piano performance.
It has also been used as background music in films and anime, making it beloved by a wide audience.
Sonatina No. 12, Movement IMuzio Clementi82rank/position
Beginning with elegant and flamboyant arpeggios, this piece brims with the refinement and vitality of the Classical era.
The smoothly spun right-hand melody interwoven with the left hand’s graceful accompaniment forms a beautiful line filled with the brightness and hope reminiscent of spring’s arrival.
This work is included in Muzio Clementi’s 1797 collection Sonatinas Op.
36; Clementi is also known as the author of Gradus ad Parnassum.
Powerful phrases and delicate expression are harmoniously balanced, making it a popular choice for piano competitions and recitals.
With its four richly expressive sections that allow for a wide range of emotions, it is an ideal piece for players who wish to refine their technique while deepening their musicality.
Sonatina No. 9, First MovementMuzio Clementi83rank/position
For those seeking classical music with a bright, dazzling, and passionate resonance, I’d like to introduce a lively piece by Muzio Clementi.
Published in 1797, this work begins with forceful, energetic phrases and unfolds into light, flowing scale patterns.
Set at an Allegro (fast) tempo, it demands nimble fingerwork and dynamic expressiveness.
The well-balanced interplay of harmonious, beautiful chords and crisp staccato (bouncing tones) creates a splendid sense of brilliance and elegance.
With its clear, approachable melody, this piece is highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully savor the expressive range of the piano or add a vibrant, spirited work to their repertoire.
Kinderszenen, Op. 15, No. 7: “Träumerei”Robert Schumann84rank/position
Robert Schumann, a leading composer of the German Romantic school, originally aspired to be a pianist, but a hand injury led him to pursue composition.
His life included many events that influenced his music, such as his marriage to Clara and his association with the composer Brahms.
The seventh piece, “Träumerei,” from his well-known piano collection Scenes from Childhood, Op.
15, conveys Schumann’s rich sensitivity through its gentle, beautiful melody.
It is a masterpiece beloved not only as a piano solo but also in various arrangements.