Franz Schubert Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Elegant Waltz, Op. 77Franz Schubert15rank/position

From Schubert “Valses Sentimentales,” No. 13 – Piano score, classical. Schubert: Valses Sentimentales D 779 / Op. 50, piano score.

Introducing the piano dance pieces of Franz Schubert, a leading composer of the Romantic era.

Composed in 1827, the Noble Waltzes is an elegant collection of twelve Ländler.

Born from gatherings with friends, the work evokes the atmosphere of Viennese high society.

With a relatively short performance time of about 12 minutes, it features approachable melodies and is recommended even for those who have just begun learning the piano.

The pieces can be freely combined, allowing you to play only your favorites.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of a Viennese ball with this work brimming with Schubert’s charm.

Serenade, No. 4 from SchwanengesangFranz Schubert16rank/position

Serenade by Schubert

A song to listen to when you’re feeling depressed or have hit a wall.

In work, school, family—life confronts us with all kinds of problems.

We have to take steps to solve them, but more than anything our hearts feel squeezed tight.

In the rush, without a moment to catch our breath, we suddenly realize our energy has been drained.

At times like that, the song’s wistful, sorrowful melody gives us a reason to pause and rest.

Thinking things through is necessary.

But for now, why not surrender yourself to the world of this song and find some calm?

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Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D.821Franz Schubert17rank/position

Franz Schubert : Sonata for arpeggione & fortepiano – 1. Allegro moderato

It is Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D 821.

The piece was written for the arpeggione, a six-string bowed instrument resembling a smaller cello, invented in 1824 by the Viennese guitar maker Johann Georg Stauffer.

However, by the time it was published in 1871, the arpeggione had fallen out of use, so it came to be performed on instruments such as the cello, viola, and double bass.

Sonatina in A minorFranz Schubert18rank/position

Schubert Sonata in A Minor D385 – Patricia Kopatchinskaja & Fazıl Say

Schubert is best known for his songs, but he also wrote numerous pieces for the violin.

A sonatina is a work built on sonata form, but with a more concise musical structure than a full sonata.

Even so, despite its concision, the interplay is highly elaborate, giving a sense of quality that can surpass that of a sonata.

Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D 960 — Movement III: Allegro vivace con delicatezzaFranz Schubert19rank/position

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

A masterpiece whose jewel-like melodies set the heart free.

Completed in September 1828, this work is especially captivating in its third movement, where a light touch is paired with delicate structural nuance.

An eight-bar theme is developed with finesse, and through successive modulations the music moves from a bright B-flat major to its parallel key, B-flat minor, leaving a striking impression of richly colored emotion.

The shading of the melody—born of its distinctive rhythmic pulse and harmonic progressions—deeply moves the listener.

Throughout, Franz Schubert’s inventive modulation techniques and masterful handling of rhythm shine.

This piece is highly recommended for those seeking the deeper flavors of classical music, and for anyone captivated by the structural beauty of piano repertoire.

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D. 667 “Trout” – I. Allegro vivaceFranz Schubert20rank/position

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D. 667 “The Trout,” First Movement…

A chamber music masterpiece suffused with a bright and lively atmosphere, this gem was composed by Franz Schubert at the age of 22.

Its distinctive scoring for piano and four string instruments yields a rich sonority, and the spirited interplay of melodies is striking.

The powerful dialogue between piano and strings weaves a sound world that evokes the feeling of young people enjoying a joy-filled gathering.

Composed in 1819 at the request of a wealthy mining engineer, the work paints positive scenes in music—nature’s beauty and the vigor of human life.

With its approachable melodies and expressive range, this piece is highly recommended for music lovers who want to experience the splendor of chamber music.

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D 667 “Trout” — III. Scherzo: PrestoFranz Schubert21rank/position

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D 667 “Trout” — III. Scherzo: Presto

This is a bright, light chamber piece performed at a very fast tempo.

The violin playfully bounces through a cheerful theme, with the other instruments responding in turn, evoking creatures frolicking in a spring brook.

Composed in 1819 when the composer was 22, the work was created at the request of a mining engineer who was an avid cellist.

Its waltz-like energy born of a triple meter, the deft interplay between piano and strings, and the rich sonorities of the lower instruments captivate listeners.

Once used as the departure melody on the platform of JR East’s Joban Line Iwaki Station, this work is widely cherished as a masterpiece of chamber music.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to feel joy and vitality through music, or who wish to experience a piece that expresses the breath of nature and everyday delight in sound.