Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller31rank/position

11. Wagtail / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: 25 No.11 La Bergeronnette - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This piece in 2/4 time is characterized by a light, charming melody reminiscent of a little bird.

A rhythmic motif of “ta-ta-tan,” effectively using staccato and sixteenth notes, vividly evokes birdsong and adorable movements.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work lasts only about 30 seconds, yet captivates with a beautiful melody woven from right-hand scales and left-hand accompaniment.

By focusing on supple wrist motion and precise fingertip control, you can bring out the piece’s elegance even more.

Even beginners will find it enjoyable to tackle thanks to its lively rhythm and friendly, accessible melody.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller32rank/position

19. Ave Maria / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: No. 19 Ave Maria - Classical Piano - CANACANA

This is a religious piece conceived with the image of a choir’s voices resounding through a cathedral church.

It possesses a solemn, devout atmosphere, and its rich harmonies leave a striking impression.

Published in Paris in 1851, the work is characterized by a beautiful melody imbued with the spirit of prayer.

By skillfully interweaving four-part harmony with three-part passages, it evokes a sonorous texture reminiscent of a cathedral’s reverberation.

The harmonic shifts are richly colored, illuminating the piece like the light through stained glass.

It is recommended for those who seek healing through music or who are interested in sacred music.

It also serves as an excellent study material for those wishing to learn pedal technique.

Combining an elegant ambience with profound spirituality, this work is sure to resonate in the hearts of listeners.

Burgmüller 25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 1 “La candeur” (A Candid Heart)Johann Burgmüller33rank/position

Burgmüller: 25 Etudes, No. 1 La Candeur – Classical Piano – CANACANA

This is the first piece from Johann Burgmüller’s renowned piano etude collection, 25 Études faciles et progressives.

The flowing melody in the right hand feels as if a pure heart has turned directly into song—truly lovely.

With the gentle left-hand chords supporting it, children will find it easy to grasp the character of the piece.

Composed in December 1851, it’s now even used as a train departure chime, so you’ve likely heard it before.

It’s a perfect choice for a recital by a child around four years old who wants to express their feelings through the piano.

It also helps practice smooth finger movement, so let’s enjoy adding it to your repertoire!

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2, ArabesqueJohann Burgmüller34rank/position

Burgmüller “Arabesque” (Fujita Piano School)

Burgmüller’s 25 Progressive Pieces is a collection every piano learner encounters at least once.

No.

2, “Arabesque,” is especially popular for its driving, cool character.

The right hand’s quick, intricate passages often go smoothly because the patterns make it easy to increase the tempo.

The problem is the middle section in the left hand.

As soon as the melody shifts to the left hand, many players can’t keep up the tempo, and the flow often stalls.

Except where there are explicit instructions to slow down, extract and practice the tricky spots carefully so you can maintain the opening momentum throughout.

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Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces Op. 100, No. 25 “La chevaleresque” (The Lady’s Ride)Johann Burgmüller35rank/position

2009 Competition Finals - B-Class Gold Prize - Hibiki Nishikawa

Composed by Burgmüller.

Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies include many pieces that are enjoyable to play and to listen to, and this piece, true to its title, vividly conveys a horse’s lively, sprightly jumps and a lady delighting in horseback riding.

Burgmüller: 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller36rank/position

Burgmüller: Tarantella, Op. 100 No. 20 | Cory Hall, pianist-composer

Characterized by a lively 6/8 rhythm, this piece is inspired by a traditional dance from southern Italy.

Its passionate atmosphere and energetic expression are captivating, and it helps improve piano technique.

While maintaining an accurate rhythm at a fast tempo can be challenging, it’s best to practice with careful attention to the balance between the left-hand accompaniment and the right-hand melody.

The mood changes dramatically in the middle section, so expressive playing is key.

This is a great choice for those who want a dazzling performance at a piano recital!

“Arabesque” from Burgmüller’s 25 Progressive Pieces (25 Études)Johann Burgmüller37rank/position

2. Arabesque / Burgmüller: 25 Etudes – No. 2 Arabesque – Classical Piano – CANACANA

Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmüller, a German-born composer and pianist, was born in December 1806 and died in February 1874.

Burgmüller’s 25 Études, Op.

100, are widely used as teaching materials for beginner-level piano students.

This work is characterized by a delicate, beautiful melodic line reminiscent of arabesque patterns, with flowing sixteenth-note passages that are especially appealing.

It is structured in ternary form, with different technical elements emphasized in each section.

To express the right-hand and left-hand chords lightly, it is recommended to make use of a wrist snap.

It is usually taught to students around ages eight to ten and is well-suited for improving fingering in fast passages, making it a perfect piece for those who are just beginning to learn the piano.

Grand Waltz for Salon after Meyerbeer’s opera ‘Le pardon de Ploërmel’Johann Burgmüller38rank/position

Burgmüller: Grand Salon Waltz on Meyerbeer’s “Le pardon de Ploërmel,” Pf. Takashi Hayashikawa

Johann Burgmüller is one of the composers who represent the German Romantic movement.

While composing piano studies for children played a particularly important role in his life, after moving to Paris he also devoted himself to salon music, establishing a light, graceful performance and compositional style.

Among these works, the Grand Waltz for the Salon on Meyerbeer’s Opera “Le pardon de Ploërmel,” based on the opera by the German composer Giacomo Meyerbeer, is a fine piece that fully showcases the charm of the elegant waltz.

It does not pose a particularly high technical hurdle and allows listeners to savor the refined world of salon music, making it a recommended piece even for beginning pianists.

Waltz Brillante, Op. 89 No. 4Johann Burgmüller39rank/position

Burgmüller: Waltz Brillante, Op. 89 No. 4, composed by Burgmüller

This is a work by Johann Burgmüller, a German-born composer and pianist.

In Japan, Burgmüller is known for his beginner piano method book, 25 Etudes, but he also composed bright and dazzling waltzes like this piece.

The sparkling high notes in the right hand are scattered throughout, and as you listen, your body naturally starts to sway.

The performance difficulty is about the level of having completed the 25 Etudes, so if you can play the piano, why not try performing this piece, Waltz Brillante?