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 (51–60)
Radetzky MarchJohann Strauss I57rank/position
A march composed by Johann Strauss, a composer from Vienna, Austria.
It’s one of the most popular pieces in classical music! “Radetzky” is the name of an Austrian general, an exceptionally capable figure who suppressed the intense national unification conflicts of the time.
The Radetzky March is said to have been commissioned for a celebratory event commemorating that successful suppression.
From its light intro beginning with the snare drum to its skillfully varied tempo and melody, it’s perfect for a cheerful, step-by-step march.
Why not choose this piece for the entrance and exit marches at a school sports day?
A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson58rank/position
A masterpiece among masterpieces whose gentle trumpet tone is truly soothing.
It’s an orchestral work composed by Leroy Anderson.
Bright and sprightly, it’s instantly familiar and a staple that’s indispensable for band concerts, whether orchestral or wind ensemble.
It opens with three trumpets, modulates to E-flat major in the middle, and closes with a fanfare—its brilliant structure is part of the appeal! It’s also a classic BGM choice for sports days, an all-rounder that fits any event—from scavenger hunts and costume races to ball-toss games.
If you’re unsure what to pick for a sports day tune, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83, 1st movementSergei Prokofiev59rank/position
The first movement of Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No.
7 in B-flat major, Op.
83, renowned as one of his most challenging works.
Also known as one of the “War Sonatas,” it conveys the chaotic worldview of World War II.
While highly effective in performance, it demands advanced technique from the pianist.
In particular, the third movement is unusual for a piano piece in that it is in 7/8 time, structured in a 2-3-2 subdivision of eighth notes.
Even keeping the rhythm is exceptionally difficult, making it a formidable piece.
Be sure to check it out.
TARKUS for pianoEmerson Lake&Palmer60rank/position
An epic suite often hailed as a pinnacle of progressive rock has been arranged for piano.
Spanning about 20 minutes and divided into seven sections, it portrays the birth, battles, defeat, and rebirth of the fictional mechanical lifeform “Tarkus.” It’s characterized by fierce organ riffs, rhythms rich in irregular meters, and philosophical lyrics.
The piece explores deep themes such as war, blind obedience to authority, and the rise and fall of civilizations, and has continued to captivate music fans since its 1971 release.
It’s a recommended piece for those who want to perform technically demanding works beyond the classical repertoire, and for anyone who enjoys grand storytelling and advanced performance techniques.
Classical Popular Songs Ranking (61–70)
Polonaise No. 6 in A-flat major, Op. 53 “Heroic Polonaise”Frederic Chopin61rank/position
Frédéric Chopin, a composer who epitomized 19th-century Europe, created music deeply intertwined with Polish national sentiment.
His celebrated work Polonaise No.
6 in A-flat major, Op.
53 is a masterpiece distinguished by its powerful rhythm, chromatic ascending motion, and the sonorous effect of bass octaves.
Demanding both advanced technique and poetic sensibility, the piece is said to embody Chopin’s patriotism and a hymn to Poland’s glory.
Why not challenge yourself with this beloved Chopin classic that has captivated audiences for generations?
Flower SongGustav Lange62rank/position
The beautifully and gently flowing melody seems perfect—it won’t interfere as background music while the two of you go from table to table lighting candles, and its relaxed, calm tempo makes it easy to walk to.
Even the title, “Flower Song,” enhances the sense of beauty, so I think it’s a very fitting piece.
Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40: No. 1 “Prelude”Nikolai Kapustin63rank/position
This piece, by Russian composer Nikolai Kapustin, who was born in Ukraine, is characterized by a bright, energetic style.
It’s rhythmic, seamlessly blending the swing feel of jazz with the precision of classical music, and it might just make your body start moving as you listen.
You may even get the illusion that a jazz combo is playing, even though it’s all on a single piano.
For performers, it demands advanced technique and offers a rewarding challenge.
For listeners, however, it’s a light and delightful piece.
It’s definitely one to hear if you love both classical and jazz.