Franz Schubert Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Three Piano Pieces (Impromptus), No. 2 in E-flat major, D 946Franz Schubert43rank/position

Schubert: Three Piano Pieces (Impromptus), No. 2 in E-flat major, D 946 / Akira Imai

Composed in May 1828 by Franz Schubert, a leading Romantic composer of late-19th-century America, this piece is a late masterpiece written about six months before Schubert’s death and is structured in rondo form.

The main theme has a lyrical, calm character, and the piece is notable for a structure interwoven with two episodes.

Showcasing Schubert’s rich melodic sensibility and distinctive harmonic progressions, it is also recommended for beginner pianists.

With the left hand clearly accompanying and the right hand carrying the melody, you can gradually immerse yourself in Schubert’s musical world by practicing the more difficult middle section slowly.

If you’re interested in classical music, why not take this opportunity to give it a try?

Three Military Marches, Op. 51, D.733 No. 1 in D majorFranz Schubert44rank/position

Military March No. 1 (Schubert) – Schubert: Military March No. 1 in D major – pianomaedaful

This is a collection of pieces composed in 1818, when Franz Schubert—often called the King of Song—was 21 years old.

He wrote it while working as a tutor for a count’s daughter.

Although today it is often performed in versions for orchestra, wind ensemble, or solo piano, it was originally written for piano four hands.

The piece is also famous as the background music for Hudson’s popular video game “Challenger,” with an unforgettable intro that sticks after just one listen.

It’s a well-known tune among retro game fans as well.

Impromptus, D 935 Op. 142 No. 2Franz Schubert45rank/position

Schubert — Impromptus No. 2 in A-flat major, D 935, Op. 142 — Performed by Akira Imai

When it comes to Schubert’s piano works, many people might think of the Four Impromptus, D 935, Op.

142.

Compared to music like jazz, where improvisation is essentially the core of the art, classical music is often associated with playing exactly what’s written on the score—so for those unfamiliar, the term “impromptu” might come as a surprise.

True to the title, these pieces were composed in Schubert’s later years with a free, unconfined spirit, yet they are often regarded as a de facto piano sonata, and nowadays the four are frequently performed together as a single work.

Technically, they require an upper-intermediate to advanced level of skill, but among the set, No.

2 is relatively less difficult compared to the other three.

If you’re eager to try playing Schubert’s impromptus, starting with No.

2 could be a good choice.

It has a minuet-like character; practice repeatedly so you can firmly feel the 3/4 meter and gracefully execute the light, flowing triplet arpeggios in the middle section.

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Four Impromptus, Op. 142, D. 935 No. 1 in F minorFranz Schubert46rank/position

Schubert: Impromptus No. 1 in F minor, D 935, Op. 142 / Performed by Akira Imai

Schubert’s late solo piano work, Four Impromptus Op.

142.

No.

1 is cast in sonata form without a development section.

The opening, in a minor key and beginning with a sudden descending figure, conveys the piece’s unease and darkness.

However, the middle section modulates to the major and drastically changes the mood, creating a dreamlike atmosphere as if a single ray of light were pouring into the darkness.

The anxious main theme from the opening then returns, and the piece ultimately sinks back into sadness, yet overall it remains a calm and beautiful work.

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Four Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 No. 1 in C minorFranz Schubert47rank/position

Alfred Brendel – Schubert – Four Impromptus, D 899

Composed in 1827 by Franz Schubert, a Viennese-born Austrian composer, this work is distinguished by its profound emotional expression and meticulous structure.

It possesses a majestic yet introspective atmosphere, with resonant, weighty harmonies and strikingly beautiful melodies.

Richly imbued with Schubert’s characteristic lyricism, it serves as an important bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras and remains beloved by many pianists today.

It’s a highly recommended piece not only for those interested in classical music, but also for any music fan seeking a beautiful, heart-stirring melody.

Impromptus, Op. 90, D. 899 No. 2 in E-flat majorFranz Schubert48rank/position

Impromptu in E-flat major, Op. 90 No. 2 (Schubert) – Schubert: Impromptu in E-flat major, Op. 90 No. 2

Schubert’s piano solo work Four Impromptus, Op.

90, composed in his final years.

No.

2 is among his most popular pieces and is beloved as a staple of piano recitals.

This work is striking for the contrast between the light, flowing right-hand passages and the left hand’s simple yet beautiful harmonies.

The middle section shifts dramatically in character to a powerful, dance-like style, and after the return of the opening’s lively melody, the coda brings back the dance from the middle section in brilliant fashion, closing with great momentum.

Its sharp contrasts keep both performer and listener fully engaged.

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Eight Landlers, D.378Franz Schubert49rank/position

Schubert: 8 Ländlers, D 378 – Shinya Okahara, piano

The waltzes and dances that Schubert improvised in front of his friends are concise pieces, and as long as you have a feel for the waltz rhythm, they’re approachable even for beginners.

They’re especially recommended if you simply want to get a taste of Schubert’s world.

This set, the Eight Ländler, D.378, composed in 1816, is true to the name “Ländler”—a South German folk dance in 3/4 time—light and distinctly dance-like in its melodies.

The arpeggios in the right hand, which literally seem to dance, are the most important element.

In the repeated sections, avoid monotony by shaping the dynamics skillfully to evoke the glittering atmosphere of the social ballroom.

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