Johann Burgmüller Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Turkish RondoJohann Burgmüller1rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Turkish Rondo ♪ Burgmüller / Rondo alla Turca, Burgmüller

Characterized by a brilliant, rhythmic style and a modulation from A minor to A major, this piece features lively staccato and flowing sixteenth-note phrases that leave a strong impression.

Its exotic melodies and rhythms, enhanced by a natural sense of flow and vitality that emphasizes the upbeat, captivate listeners.

Marked Allegretto, it calls for an overall vivid expression, and the contrast between staccato and legato should be clearly defined to bring out the character.

This piece is recommended for those wishing to refine smooth technique and expressive nuance.

While fostering rhythmic sense and finger independence, it also deepens understanding of diverse musical styles.

Popular at recitals and competitions, it offers an excellent opportunity to showcase both technique and musical expression.

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller2rank/position

All-Japan Piano Competition 2022, Lower Elementary School Division, Gold Prize (Grand Prize): Haruto Yoshinaga

A well-loved collection of piano études, Johann Burgmüller’s landmark album 25 Études, Op.

100.

No.

20, “Tarantella,” is a passionate and exhilarating piece inspired by the traditional dance of southern Italy.

Its rapid passages and buoyant rhythms vividly conjure a scene of revelers dancing feverishly at a festival! Though it’s a dazzling, stage-ready work, precise control of each note is crucial.

Practice carefully by altering rhythms and breaking the piece into a few beats at a time.

It’s a wonderful challenge that fosters fingertip technique and expressive richness at the same time.

25 Etudes, Op. 100: No. 2 “Arabesque”Johann Burgmüller3rank/position

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Studies No. 2 “Arabesque” — Burgmüller Arabesque, Op. 100 No. 2

Every piano student comes across Burgmüller’s 25 Easy and Progressive Studies at least once.

No.

2, “Arabesque,” from the collection composed in 1852 by the German composer Johann Burgmüller, is a highly popular piece with a driving, cool character.

The right hand’s rapid, intricate passages often come together smoothly and lend themselves well to increasing the tempo; the problem is the middle section in the left hand.

The moment the melody shifts to the left hand, many players can’t keep up with the tempo and the flow breaks down! Except in places where there are explicit instructions to slow down, aim to maintain the opening momentum by isolating troublesome spots and practicing them carefully and in detail.

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 2 “Arabesque”Johann Burgmüller4rank/position

Arabesque from Burgmüller's 25 (Arabesque Burgmüller)

Johann Burgmüller, originally from Germany, is a composer known for his piano etudes for children.

His 25 Etudes, Op.

100, continue to be loved to this day.

Among them, Arabesque is especially popular at recitals.

It features rapid, intricate right-hand passages that test the performer’s technical proficiency.

Yet the piece’s appeal lies not only in finger work; it also cultivates musical expressiveness.

It is an ideal work for solidifying fundamental skills while fostering sensitivity during the process of learning the piano.

You could call it a masterpiece that beginners on their musical journey should definitely try to play.

18 Characteristic Etudes Op. 109 No. 15 “Spirit of the Wind”Johann Burgmüller5rank/position

PTNA National Final, Burgmüller Op. 109-15 “Les Sylphes (Sprites of the Air)” from 18 Études de genre (5th grade) / Reiko Kato Piano Studio

Johann Burgmüller’s collection of piano etudes, 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109, was composed to refine a pianist’s technique.

Among them, The Spirit of the Wind is filled with techniques that demand a delicate melody and agile fingerwork, making it an ideal piece for piano learners.

While many approach Burgmüller’s works to improve their technique, be sure to focus not only on the technical aspects but also on each piece’s world and its unique charm.

You’ll likely find that your image of “Burgmüller the etude composer” changes completely.

Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller6rank/position

Burgmüller 'Tarantella' – Piano Recital by an Older Kindergartener (6 years old) / Burgmüller – La Tarentelle (piano), 6 years old

How about a passionate dance from southern Italy? It is based on the anecdote of dancing to draw out the poison after being bitten by a tarantula, and the music is filled with a tension and dynamism that seem to embody that story.

The buoyant 6/8 rhythm beats like the heartbeat of a protagonist desperately continuing to dance.

In the brief, brighter middle section, how you express the shift in feeling will be the key to the performance.

This piece is perfect for children who want to take on a rhythmic and cool-sounding work.

It would be wonderful if they could imagine a story and deliver a passionate performance! It is one of the studies from Johann Burgmüller’s collection 25 Études, Op.

100, published in 1851.

Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100 No. 2 “The Hunt”Johann Burgmüller7rank/position

9. The Hunt / Burgmüller: 25 Progressive Pieces – No. 9 La Chasse – Classical Piano – CANACANA

This work beautifully harmonizes a light, flowing melody with a rhythmic accompaniment in 2/4 time.

It weaves an elegant sonic pattern inspired by the decorative motifs of Islamic art, creating a brilliant atmosphere when combined with its lively, march-like character.

The combination of a graceful right-hand sixteenth-note melody and left-hand staccato chords gleams like a sparkling jewel.

Published in Paris in 1851, the piece has long been cherished as an attractive work that sounds impressive despite its modest technical demands.

We invite you to immerse yourself in this radiant and graceful world of sound.