Franz Joseph Haydn Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52, 1st movementFranz Joseph Haydn22rank/position

2016 PTNA Special Grade Semifinal: Misora Ozaki / Haydn: Piano Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:52 (Complete)

Franz Joseph Haydn, a master of Classical-era music, composed the Piano Sonata in E-flat major in his later years.

The first movement opens with powerful chords and unfolds into a second theme distinguished by light, graceful melodies.

Its energetic, vibrant character seems to reflect Haydn’s joy and fulfillment in life.

Written in London in 1794, this work is a masterpiece that showcases Haydn’s mature compositional technique.

Constant shifts in dynamics impart a sense of lively vitality.

With its rich musicality, the piece continues to be cherished by many performers and audiences alike.

Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Hob. XVI:46Franz Joseph Haydn23rank/position

Ivo Pogorelich – Haydn – Piano Sonata No 31 in A-flat major, Hob XVI-46

A gem among piano works by Austrian composer Franz Joseph Haydn, a leading figure of the Classical era.

Composed around 1767, the Piano Sonata No.

31 in A-flat major, Hob.

XVI:46 consists of three movements; the central movement in particular is a masterpiece, with an emotionally rich melodic line unfolding in a contrapuntal texture.

Strongly reflecting the formal beauty of Classical music, this piece is highly recommended for piano students and classical music enthusiasts alike.

Piano Sonata No. 34 in E minor, Hob. XVI:34Franz Joseph Haydn24rank/position

J. Haydn / Piano Sonata No. 34, Hob. XVI:34 in E minor

Often called the father of the symphony and the string quartet and still revered as a master of the Classical era, Franz Joseph Haydn also played a vital role in the realm of solo piano works.

His Piano Sonata No.

34 in E minor, Hob.

XVI:34, is one of his signature piano compositions—a masterpiece consisting of three highly expressive movements.

It is a recommended work for anyone interested in classical piano, offering a full taste of Haydn’s refined compositional craft and rich emotional expressiveness.

Piano Sonata No. 42 in G major, Hob. XVI:27Franz Joseph Haydn25rank/position

Haydn / Sonata No. 42 in G major, Hob. XVI/27, Movement I / Performance: Hitomi Maeyama

Among Franz Joseph Haydn’s piano sonatas, the Piano Sonata No.

42 in G major, Hob.

XVI:27 is especially popular.

Composed in three movements—a lively first movement that exemplifies his style, a brilliant, dance-like second movement, and a swift third movement—the work was written during the transition from the harpsichord to the fortepiano in the 18th century, with the intent of exploring the possibilities of the new instrument.

Alongside Haydn’s characteristically bright, energetic tone, the piece weaves in emotional depth and conversational elements, making it a work that reflects his musical development and maturity.

It is highly recommended both for those looking to become familiar with classical music and for advanced players seeking a rewarding piano sonata.

Piano Sonata No. 47 in B minor, Hob. XVI:32Franz Joseph Haydn26rank/position

Hayato Sumino / Haydn: Sonata in B Minor, Hob.XVI:32 (2018 PTNA Special Class Semifinal) – Haydn: Sonata in B Minor, Hob.XVI:32

Franz Joseph Haydn, a master of Classical-era music who left outstanding achievements in the realms of the symphony and the string quartet.

His Piano Sonata No.

47 in B minor, Hob.

XVI:32, completed around 1776, is a work marked by passionate and dramatic character.

The distinctive sonorities and rhythms of each movement are sure to move listeners.

Fully showcasing the allure of sonata form, this piece is a masterpiece that reveals Haydn’s musical genius and his innovative approach.

Piano Sonata No. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:49Franz Joseph Haydn27rank/position

2016 PTNA Special Class Semifinal: Naoto Sugimoto / Haydn: Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI:49

Among Franz Joseph Haydn’s piano works, the Piano Sonata No.

59 in E-flat major, Hob.

XVI:49 is especially popular.

Its deft alternation between staccato and legato and the seamless flow across its three movements are particularly striking.

It is said that Mrs.

Genzinger, the dedicatee, requested revisions to the first draft.

Combining clear structure with expressive depth, this representative work in Haydn’s piano repertoire is a highly recommended piece for classical music lovers of all ages.

Piano Sonata No. 35 in C majorFranz Joseph Haydn28rank/position

Haydn Sonata C Major – Hob. XVI / 35

Piano Sonata No.

35 in C major: I.

Allegro con brio, II.

Adagio, III.

Allegro.

This piece is one of the best-known of Haydn’s piano sonatas.

The performance is by Moscow-born pianist Mikhail Markov.