Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Rankings [2026]

severe thunderstormJohann Burgmüller15rank/position

[Piano Recital Recommendation] The Thunderstorm ♫ Burgmüller / Orage, Burgmüller

This is a dramatic and cool piece included in Johann Burgmüller’s study collection 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109.

Like a single film, it brilliantly depicts the arrival of a violent storm, the rumbling thunder, and its quiet passing.

The thunder expressed through octave tremolos is powerful and highly effective in performance! It’s not only about building strength and excitement; the challenge lies in gradually softening the sound as if the storm is receding, which makes it very rewarding to practice.

It’s the perfect piece for elementary and middle school students who want to greatly enhance their expressive power with a story-like work.

If performed with rich emotion at a recital, it will draw every listener into its world.

Burgmüller No. 3 “La Pastorale” (Burgmüller “Pastorale”)Burgmüller16rank/position

Burgmüller No. 3 “La Pastorale” (ブルグミュラー「牧歌」)

This work features a performance of Burgmüller’s “Pastorale” using music software.

Because it’s machine-played, the keystrokes lack a human touch, but the rhythm is steady, so the piece is complete as a musical work.

As a well-known pastoral piece, it is highly recommended even for those who don’t usually listen to pastorales.

Burgmüller: 25 Etudes, “Pastorale”Burgmüller17rank/position

3. Pastoral / Burgmüller: 25 Etudes – No. 3 La pastorale – Classical Piano – CANACANA

As a masterpiece among educational pieces depicting a serene pastoral scene, No.

3 from Burgmüller’s Op.

100 possesses a special charm.

Its gentle G major sonority and lilting 6/8 meter evoke a tranquil landscape with a shepherd.

The balance between the right hand’s graceful, singing melody and the left hand’s discreet chordal accompaniment is exquisite, naturally fostering legato cantabile technique and light handling of ornaments.

Published in Paris in December 1851 as part of the educational collection “25 Études faciles et progressives,” it continues to be included in grade examinations by Trinity College and Australia’s AMEB.

It is an ideal piece for learners wishing to cultivate musical expressiveness, as well as for anyone seeking solace in a beautiful melody.

12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105: No. 11 “Harp of the North”Johann Burgmüller18rank/position

Burgmüller: From 12 Etudes No. 11 “Harp of the North,” Op. 105-11. Adagio in A-flat major. Pf. Aki Kuroda

The German composer Johann Burgmüller left many indispensable pieces for piano learners.

No.

11, “The Harp of the North,” from his etude collection 12 Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105, which aims to balance technique and expression, is a striking piece with a melody that evokes the fantastical landscapes of the Nordic countries.

This piece demands delicate touch and rich expressiveness; rather than merely playing the notes, carefully reading the indicated dynamics and phrasing, expanding your imagery, and practicing attentively will enable you to deliver a moving performance.

12 Melodious and Brilliant Études, Op. 105: No. 12 “Heroic”Johann Burgmüller19rank/position

Burgmüller: 12 Études, No. 12 'Heroic', Op. 105 – 12. Moderato in E-flat major, Pf. Aki Kuroda: Kuroda, Aki

The 12th piece, “Heroic,” from German composer Johann Burgmüller’s Twelve Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105, is a work imbued with power and dignity befitting its title.

More than a mere vehicle for technical training, this culminating piece in a collection that emphasizes deepening a performer’s musical expressiveness offers the appeal of allowing one to fully convey its passionate character.

It is a piece that tests both technique and expression.

12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105 No. 4 “La Campanella”Johann Burgmüller20rank/position

PTNA 2019 Competition National Final, D Class, No. 30, Gold Prize – Rei Nagata

Johann Burgmüller, a German composer widely known for his piano studies for children.

His “12 Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105” is a collection aimed at intermediate to advanced learners, designed to improve technical skills and enhance musical expression.

No.

4 in this collection, “La Campanella,” demands delicate expressiveness and advanced technique, making it ideal for developing independence between the hands and refining the ability to play complex rhythms and melodies accurately.

With continued practice, you will acquire musical beauty and rich expressiveness.

18 Characteristic Studies Op. 109 No. 14 “Gondolier’s Song”Johann Burgmüller21rank/position

Burgmüller’s 18 Études: No. 14, Song of the Gondolier

German composer Johann Burgmüller was a pianist and composer active during the Romantic period, best known for his études for piano learners.

No.

14, “Barcarolle,” from his 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109—composed for intermediate-level students—depicts in sound the calm of drifting over a still surface of water, along with occasional surges of emotional waves.

By practicing with careful attention to tone color and phrasing, while grasping the composer’s intentions to richly convey the gondolier’s feelings as he sings, you will broaden your expressive range.

Let’s polish it with care so that the beautiful melody can truly sing.