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Ludwig Van Beethoven is among the most significant and famous composers. In our immersive listing, you’ll find Beethoven’s best piano pieces.
Beethoven was an influential and potent musician during the shift between the Romantic period and the Classical era.
Despite facing the discomfort and anguish of emotional and medical agony (he became deaf when he was 27 years old), he achieved a tremendous amount of achievement.
His pieces are a massive statement to his capabilities. This is evident alone from how he overcame his misfortune with a great, positive spirit.
This maestro left behind an enormous amount of work, and it is believed that he introduced romanticism into the music world with his work.
He was a genius and can never be forgotten. His life journey has been portrayed in many movies, dramas, and his pieces are eternal.
This article will list Beethoven’s best piano pieces of all time.
These pieces are great to listen to. If you are a pianist, consider this listing as a quick hack toward joining the ranks of the greatest pianists of all time.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 is also popularly recognized as the Choral Symphony.
Surely, it is among the most beautiful pieces to come from Beethoven.
This piece is known as Choral Symphony, because the end of the song consists of a chorus and 4 vocalists who sing a locale of Schiller’s poem, An Die Freude (Ode To Joy).
Beethoven pushed classical symphony to its limits just to express a philosophical theme.
The Choral Symphony’s central theme is mankind’s unity and finding a place for yourself in the universe.
When you listen to this piece, it might seem like it consists of a four-movement symphonic model. However, its enormous choral 4th movement was unconventional.
This famous melody inspired many composers and became a significant cornerstone of romanticism in the 19th century.
Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 is commonly known as Moonlight Sonata, composed by Beethoven in 1801.
There are many versions of this piece, as it was published more than once.
In the original publication, the song is dedicated to Beethoven’s 17-year-old sweetheart, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.
The composer was going through a rough stage during the time of composing Moonlight Sonata.
During this period in his life, Beethoven started having problems with his ears, and the signs of deafness started to show.
After the publication of this song, this piece was met with appreciation from everywhere.
In recent times, this Sonata has been among the most renowned piano music of all time.
If you are a pianist, consider learning this piece, beginner pianists can also learn it to develop their skills.
Eroica Symphony is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 55.
In 1804, after the completion of this symphony, the musical world was changed. Moreover, the Eroica symphony is considered the maestro’s defining piece.
Initially, this piece was made in dedication to Napoleon. However, Beethoven removed this dedication when he found out that Napoleon had anointed himself as an Emperor.
In this symphony, Beethoven tried to understand the limitations and capabilities of the sonata form. After having a particular song theme, he celebrated his freedom in music.
The influence of this piece is far-reaching as it influenced various other composers, such as Schubert, Wagner, Berlioz, and Mahler.
If you are curious to know how Beethoven was able to compose when he was completely deaf, click here.
Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major is the Emperor Concerto.
This piece, in particular, is packed with intensity, and the Major E flat key provides an overwhelming feeling which is great to listen to.
The soloist can enjoy the piece as harmonics are hidden behind the major key.
Emperor Concerto starts with three chords that later bolster into little cadenzas, eventually ending with a glorious, enthusiastic rondo that strides towards a cheerful and ecstatic end.
There are slow movements in this concerto that are considered to be delightful.
You can feel the emotional freight that vacates any feeling of anger.
For someone who wants to start listening to classical music, this work of Beethoven can be an excellent start for you.
The Bagatelle in A minor, Wo0 59, is also known as Für Elise.
Für Elise is among one of the most popular pieces to have been composed by Beethoven.
Even though it was composed in 1810, Beethoven never published it. Rumor has it that the musician and legend Ludwig Nohl found Beethoven’s scroll until it was lost somewhere.
When he found the composition, it was in bad condition, and nothing could be seen; only two letters – ‘se’ – were visible on the scroll.
Nohl gave the piece the title of Für Elise, and later in 1867, he published it.
There are many theories regarding this piece and the two letters.
If you’re interested, quickly check out these 50 Must Have Beethoven Masterpieces.
In 1802, Beethoven composed the Piano Sonata No.17 in D minor, Op. 32, famously known as the Tempest.
The piece lasts around 20 minutes and includes three movements. Beethoven dedicated this song to the Countess of Browne.
Beethoven told his listeners that to understand the true meaning of this song, one must read Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
This composition was made during an essential stage of Beethoven’s life.
He composed it during the first and second symphonies.
During this time, he learned about his deafness, and the vibe of the Heiligenstadt Testament that he had written became gloomy and dark compared to his older pieces.
Many advanced players have performed this song in various piano competitions. The piece is technical enough, and once correctly executed, you’re one step closer towards becoming a legendary pianist.
One of the most famous piano pieces that Beethoven composed is considered among his most personal as well.
In the String Quartet No. 14, the piano chord is C sharp minor. The Op. 131 is not easy to listen to, as it is very intense and will have you feeling strong waves of emotion.
This piece is believed to be Beethoven’s favorite composition, as the piece is meant to represent a conversation with God.
The composer took a lot of time to make this piece, so understanding this piece is not an easy task. You will have to listen to it to understand the feeling that the song is exhibiting.
The music has four players and seven movements, all playing at once.
Bach’s reincarnation can be found within this piece. Schuber, before his death, claimed that there was nothing else left to write for him after hearing the song.
Hammerklavier was composed between 1817 and 1819 by Beethoven.
The Piano Sonata No. 29, B flat major, Op. 106 was published in dedication to Archduke Rudolph.
The title means pianoforte in German, and the composer himself termed it.
With this piece, Beethoven wanted to remind everyone that the pianoforte was a German invention. After four years of composition, Beethoven ceased publishing and went deaf.
The song’s duration is around 45 minutes, with 4 movements.
This piece is among the most extended piano pieces in terms of length and depth.
Moreover, it’s believed that Beethoven also admitted that it was among his most challenging compositions.
Some might say that a man’s life is too short to learn this piece. So if you are a beginner pianist, we recommend learning Beethoven’s other compositions, which are comparatively easier to play.
Need more information on Hammerklavier? Here’s a complete analysis of this particular piece.
Beethoven’s best piano pieces are exceptionally tremendous and will make you feel all types of emotions at once.
One thing that we’ve learned (and are often reminded of) is that Beethoven was a great composer. He left behind a large body of work, which continues to get appreciation from everyone worldwide. Despite being deaf, he still created and showed his art to the world.
Not all of his songs are easy for listeners, but once you get used to his music, you will start understanding the emotions and meaning behind his songs.
Similarly, most of his pieces are not easy to play. Even an experienced pianist will require much practice and determination.
We hope our listing of these extraordinary pieces has been helpful to you. Remember to share this content with your loved ones.
Let us know what your favorite Beethoven piano piece is by commenting below.
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