Franz Schubert Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960: II. Andante sostenutoFranz Schubert8rank/position

Schubert / Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, Movement II, D 960 / Akira Imai

This final piano work of the composer’s life is a gem, suffused with a meditative atmosphere and profound emotion.

The theme in C-sharp minor begins with the resonance of a quiet prayer, then modulates to A major in the middle section, revealing a transformation of character as if bathed in warm light.

Composed in September 1828, the piece strongly reflects the late Franz Schubert’s sense of life’s transience and his views on life and death.

It is recommended for those who wish to explore the profound meaning of life through music or immerse themselves in introspective moments.

Its gently penetrating melody and delicate shifts in harmony stir the listener’s soul.

Fantasia in C major, D.760 “Wanderer”Franz Schubert9rank/position

Evgeny Kissin – Schubert – Wander Fantasy in C major, D 760

The Fantasia in C major, D 760 “Wanderer,” is a piano piece composed by Franz Schubert and published in 1822, commonly known as the “Wanderer Fantasy.” There is an anecdote that Schubert himself, frustrated at being unable to play the piece well, remarked, “Let the devil play such a piece.”

String Quartet No. 13, Op. 29, D 804 “Rosamunde,” Movement IIFranz Schubert10rank/position

Franz Schubert, String Quartet No. 13 in A minor “Rosamunde,” D.804, Op.29 2 Classical background music for work

This jewel of chamber music, with its gentle melody in C major, brings profound calm to the listener’s heart.

Composed between February and March of 1824, the work seamlessly unites flowing, beautiful melodies with masterful construction.

Its gently rocking, cradle-like rhythmic repetitions and the rich harmonies woven by each part resonate with the pleasantness of birdsong heralding the arrival of spring.

A masterpiece in which the formal beauty of Classicism and the lyricism of Romanticism are superbly fused, it distills the very essence of Franz Schubert’s musical voice.

It is a piece I highly recommend to anyone wishing to experience the beauty and deep emotion that classical music can offer.

The Art Song “Erlkönig”Franz Schubert11rank/position

Der Erlkönig – Franz Schubert [Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau]

Among Schubert’s works, Erlkönig is a particularly unusual piece.

It even appears in music textbooks.

While Schubert wrote many gentle compositions, this one is terrifying in both its accompaniment and its lyrics—something that could haunt your dreams.

It’s also the song the protagonist of the anime “Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto” sang at karaoke.

Military MarchFranz Schubert12rank/position

Military March (Schubert)

Composed by Schubert in 1818 for piano four hands, this piece might actually be better known in its orchestral version.

Written in ternary form, it’s notable for its bold main theme accompanied by a fanfare-like motif.

Among Schubert’s works, you could say this one is quite bright and upbeat.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Four Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 No. 3 in G-flat majorFranz Schubert13rank/position

Schubert – Impromptu No. 3, Op. 90 (Kissin)

Franz Schubert’s Four Impromptus, Op.

90, are piano solos composed in the final period of his life.

Among them, No.

3 is a very gentle and beautiful piece.

Perhaps because it was written a year before his death, its melody carries a certain poignancy, as if he had suddenly become aware of his own mortality.

A beautiful tune unfolds over the ceaseless right-hand arpeggios, moving calmly forward like a softly flowing brook.

Schubert adored Vienna.

When you listen to this piece, doesn’t it somehow evoke the Danube winding through Vienna’s forests and streets?

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satomi

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SerenadeFranz Schubert14rank/position

Shubert Serenade (arr. Liszt) – Beka Lagadze

This celebrated piece known as “Serenade” is a famous work by the Austrian-born genius composer Franz Schubert.

It is the fourth song in Schubert’s posthumous collection Schwanengesang, which comprises 14 lieder set to poems by three poets, and it is among his most renowned works.

The lyrics, expressing a heartfelt longing for a lover, are intensely passionate and romantic, and the beautiful melody that matches them is likely one you’ve heard at least once.

There is also a solo piano arrangement by the prominent Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and this version, too, has remained popular to the present day.

The piece is often chosen for omnibus CDs for ballroom dancing, so if you’re drawn to dancing to the graceful melodies characteristic of classical music, why not give it a try?

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KOH-1

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