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Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Johann Burgmüller, a German-born composer who spent most of his career in Paris from his twenties until his later years, left behind piano miniatures, operas, and ballet music.

In Japan, many piano players are familiar with him, partly because Yamaha has adopted his “25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op.

100” as a piano method book.

This time, we present a ranking of Johann Burgmüller’s most popular pieces—enjoy immersing yourself in his musicality!

Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Ranking [2026] (1–10)

Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller8rank/position

15. Ballade / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.15 Ballade - Classical Piano - CANACANA
Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade”Johann Burgmüller

This is an elegant piece that exudes a mysterious atmosphere from the opening.

Its compelling structure—rich in narrative thanks to the contrast between C minor and C major—captivates the listener as it shifts from a tense first section to a serene middle passage.

The scene woven by the right hand’s repeated notes and the left hand’s flowing patterns evokes the image of a solitary traveler journeying through a forest.

Johann Burgmüller balances expressive richness with technical elements to great effect.

This work is recommended for those interested in pieces with a strong narrative quality or who enjoy dramatic expression.

Published in Paris in 1851, it continues to be cherished by many performers today.

25 Etudes, Op. 100, No. 25: ‘La chevaleresque’ (The Lady’s Riding)Johann Burgmüller9rank/position

46th A2 Class Prizewinner’s Commemorative Concert [La chevaleresque] Age 5 – PTNA Piano Competition 2022 | Burgmüller: 25 Progressive Pieces, No. 25 “La chevaleresque”
25 Etudes, Op. 100, No. 25: 'La chevaleresque' (The Lady's Riding)Johann Burgmüller

The final piece in Burgmüller’s masterpiece 25 Progressive Pieces, Op.

100, is The Nobleman’s Horse (La Chevaleresque).

Alongside Arabesque, The Gentle Flower, and The Angel’s Voice, it is one of Burgmüller’s most well-known works and is also popular as a recital piece frequently performed.

The key point of this work is that it is packed with techniques beginners should master.

It encompasses challenges essential to piano playing, such as a wide range of registers, powerful chords, and passages requiring swift finger movements.

It is truly an ideal piece for building a solid foundation in piano technique.

12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105: No. 6 “Evening Hour”Johann Burgmüller10rank/position

The Etudes “12 Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105,” composed by the German Romantic composer Johann Burgmüller.

No.

6, “Evening Hours,” is a piece that depicts a tranquil scene at dusk through its beautiful melody.

Its peaceful, calming tune will soothe the listener’s heart.

Carefully written to enhance the technique and expressiveness of piano students, this work is recommended for intermediate to advanced pianists.

Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Rankings [2026] (11–20)

18 Characteristic Études, Op. 109 No. 17 ‘March’Johann Burgmüller11rank/position

Johann Burgmüller was a pianist and composer active during the German Romantic era.

No.

17, “March,” from his album 18 Etudes, Op.

109, imitates the rhythm and character of a march; through a strong sense of rhythm and dynamic accents, it evokes the image of marching soldiers in the listener’s mind.

While intended for technical training, the piece also serves as material that allows performers to pursue musical expression.

It is an ideal piece for piano learners to cultivate a sense of rhythm while aiming for performances that combine accuracy with expressiveness.

Burgmüller’s etudes are often featured in recitals and can be recommended to piano enthusiasts of a wide range of ages.

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “The Lady’s Ride”Johann Burgmüller12rank/position

Burgmüller: La Chevaleresque (The Lady’s Ride) Op. 100 No. 25 (2020 PTNA Competition Required Piece) pf. Nozomu Sugawara
25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “The Lady’s Ride”Johann Burgmüller

The German Romantic composer Burgmüller left many piano études with approachable, beautiful melodies.

The final piece of his 25 Études, Op.

100, “La chevaleresque” (Gallop/Lady’s Riding), is a light and rhythmic work that vividly conjures the image of an elegant lady riding a horse.

The intricate movements in the right hand depict the horse’s footsteps, while the left-hand accompaniment expresses the rhythm of riding.

By playing with rich expression, one can polish both fundamental piano technique and musicality at the same time.

Savor the joy of piano through Burgmüller’s works.

Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller13rank/position

Award Commemorative Concert — Kato Koki, 6 years old — La cavalerie (The Lady’s Riding)
Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller

A dazzling and valiant piece that concludes the 1851-published album 25 Etudes, Op.

100.

The original title of this work means “chivalry,” and true to its name, it lets you feel like the dignified yet elegant hero of a story.

The staccato passages, like a horse stepping lightly, and the scales driving toward the climax make your heart dance just by listening.

In performance, the key is whether you can express the shifting scenes through dynamics and varied touch.

It’s a piece that invites you to imagine a narrative and enjoy discovering your own unique interpretation.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “Arabesque”Johann Burgmüller14rank/position

“Arabesque” from Johann Burgmüller’s Etudes, 25 Easy and Progressive Studies Op.

100, is a piece that shines on the recital stage.

Its light, exotic atmosphere—reminiscent of the ornamental patterns of Islamic art—is truly captivating.

Riding on a buoyant staccato rhythm, the right hand darts about as if a small adventure is beginning.

Loved since its publication in Paris in 1851, this work teaches the joy of telling a story through music while developing finger independence.

Well known in Japan as a required piece for competitions, it comes to life when the contrast between bouncing and smooth tones is clearly expressed.