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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 Rankings [2026] (31–40)

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

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

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
Grand Waltz for Salon after Meyerbeer's opera 'Le pardon de Ploërmel'Johann Burgmüller

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
Waltz Brillante, Op. 89 No. 4Johann 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?