Franz Schubert Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D. 667 “Trout” — IV. Theme and Variations: AndantinoFranz Schubert22rank/position

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D. 667 “The Trout” — Fourth Movement: Theme and Variations…

A chamber music masterpiece performed by the uniquely scored ensemble of piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

Composed in 1819 at the request of a wealthy local mining engineer, this work captivates with its bright, sprightly melodies and colorful variations.

In five variations, it vividly depicts a tale of a trout swimming in a clear stream and the crafty fisherman trying to catch it.

Conversational interplay that deftly draws out each instrument’s character, along with tonal shifts from minor to major, grips the listener’s heart.

A familiar classic also known from JR East’s Joban Line Iwaki Station departure melody and TV Asahi’s “Matsuko & Ariyoshi’s Angry New Party.” A piece I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone interested in chamber music or piano music.

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D 667 “Trout” — V. Finale: Allegro giustoFranz Schubert23rank/position

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

A masterpiece whose beautiful melodies and distinctive instrumentation evoke Austria’s rich pastoral landscapes.

Composed in 1819 when Franz Schubert was just 22, this work features a unique ensemble of piano and four string instruments, marked by a lively rhythm and radiant melodies.

The themes, expressing the beauty and joy of nature, flow with the ease of a crystal-clear stream.

The piano’s brilliant passages blend exquisitely with the strings, as the instruments seem to converse—passing the motifs between them to paint a vivid musical scene.

Its resonant low registers and expansive sonorities leave a profound, heartfelt impression.

Highly recommended for those who wish to savor the splendor of classical music or spend a soothing, restorative moment.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished”Franz Schubert24rank/position

Tennstedt Conducts: Schubert: Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished” (1984 Live)

Following Beethoven’s Symphony No.

5 “Fate” and Dvořák’s Symphony No.

9 “From the New World,” this Symphony No.

7 “Unfinished” is also extremely popular; together they are known as the “Three Great Symphonies.” Composed by Schubert, who wrote a vast number of songs, the reason it remained unfinished is still not clearly known.

With a touch of melancholy yet graced by elegant melodies passed among various instruments, its mysterious beauty makes it a particularly captivating work.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished,” Second MovementFranz Schubert25rank/position

Schubert Symphony No. 7, Unfinished, Movement II — Vienna Philharmonic

A delicate melody that makes you sigh seems to gently soothe your fatigue.

Its fragility—so fine you might say, “touch it and it will fall”—seems to melt even the most frayed heart into calm.

Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 “Unfinished”Franz Schubert26rank/position

[Sawallisch] Schubert: Unfinished Symphony No.8

Schubert was an Austrian composer.

No one knows why his Symphony No.

8 in B minor is unfinished.

Schubert handed the score of the unfinished Symphony No.

8 in B minor to his friend Hüttenbrenner.

About forty years later, Hüttenbrenner found the incomplete score at the back of a desk drawer and gave it to Johann Herbeck, the conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, where it received great acclaim at its Vienna premiere in 1865.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished” in B minor, Movement I: Allegro moderatoFranz Schubert27rank/position

Schubert Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished” in B minor, Movement I

Beginning with a mysterious low-string introduction, this masterpiece by Franz Schubert features a plaintive theme sung by oboe and clarinet that pierces the heart.

Composed starting in 1822 as a token of gratitude for an honorary diploma from the Graz Music Society, it has continued to captivate audiences with its profound emotion and distinctive structure.

Employing the uncommon key of B minor, its beautiful melodies, woven from exquisitely balanced orchestral sonorities, leave a deep impression on listeners.

It played a central role in the 1933 film “Unfinished Symphony” and has been used in the Japanese tokusatsu drama “Ultraman 80,” among other appearances, ensuring its allure lives on in many forms.

From quiet meditation to a grand climax, it is a recommended piece for music lovers who wish to savor a rich range of emotional expression.

Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished” in B minor, Movement II: Andante con motoFranz Schubert28rank/position

Schubert: Symphony No. 7 “Unfinished” in B minor, Second Movement

Comprising only two movements, this work is distinguished by a majestic orchestral sonority that leaves a profound lyricism and serene afterglow.

Begun in 1822 as a token of gratitude to the Graz Music Society, its slow movement features a gentle theme ushered in by the soft timbres of horn and bassoon.

The melody—where sweet repose intertwines with solitary anguish—deeply moves the listener.

Since its Vienna premiere in December 1865, the piece has been cherished by many music lovers for its inward emotional expression, achieved through deft shifts in harmony and dialogues between instruments.

It is a recommended choice for those who wish to immerse themselves in a calm, meditative atmosphere or savor the richly expressive world of Romantic music.