The Most Popular Beethoven Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:30
Determining which Beethoven composition resonates most with audiences can fuel passionate discussions among classical music enthusiasts. Each piece carries its own unique beauty and emotional depth, captivating different listeners for various reasons. By ranking these treasures, one can gain insights into broader trends of public preference and the timeless appeal of Beethoven's work. This dynamic ranking system allows every visitor to cast a vote for their preferred Beethoven compositions. As more individuals participate, the accuracy of the ranking improves, offering a clearer picture of collective tastes. Your input is crucial for shaping this ongoing evaluation, potentially influencing new listeners eager to experience the best of Beethoven according to fellow aficionados.

What Is the Most Popular Beethoven Song?

  1. 1
    79
    votes
    Symphony No. 5
    User Boris Fernbacher on de.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Symphony No. 5

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This symphony is one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music in the world, with its famous opening four-note motif.
    Symphony No. 5, also known as the 'Fifth Symphony', is a piece of classical music composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is one of the most famous and renowned compositions in the history of classical music. The symphony is written for a full orchestra and consists of four movements. It is characterized by its powerful and dramatic motifs, particularly the iconic four-note opening motif. Symphony No. 5 is considered a masterpiece, showcasing Beethoven's mastery of composition and his ability to evoke intense emotions through music.
    • Composition Year: 1804-1808
    • Genre: Symphony
    • Key: C minor
    • Number of Movements: 4
    • Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
  2. 2
    36
    votes

    Moonlight Sonata

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This sonata is one of Beethoven's most famous and beloved works. Its hauntingly beautiful melody and expressive dynamics make it a favorite among pianists and music lovers alike.
    The Moonlight Sonata is a renowned piano sonata composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It consists of three movements and is one of Beethoven's most famous and beloved works. The sonata showcases Beethoven's characteristic emotional depth and expressive qualities, making it a timeless masterpiece in the classical music repertoire.
    • Composition Year: 1801
    • Key: C-sharp minor
    • Opus Number: Op. 27, No. 2
    • Number of Movements: 3
    • Duration: Approximately 14-15 minutes
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    Fur Elise

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This is one of Beethoven's most popular and recognizable pieces, known for its catchy melody and playful character. It has become a staple of piano repertoire and is often used in popular culture.
    Fur Elise is a solo piano piece composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is one of his most popular compositions and is widely recognized for its catchy melody and lively character.
    • Genre: Classical music
    • Composition Year: 1810
    • Key: A minor
    • Form: Bagatelle
    • Meter: 3/8
  4. 4
    6
    votes

    Symphony No. 9

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This symphony is Beethoven's final complete symphony and is considered one of the greatest works of Western classical music. Its famous choral finale, featuring the "Ode to Joy" melody, has become a symbol of universal brotherhood and is often performed at important events.
    Symphony No. 9, also known as the 'Choral Symphony', is one of Ludwig van Beethoven's most famous compositions. It is a monumental symphony in four movements, featuring a full orchestra, choir, and vocal soloists. The symphony is notable for its powerful and dramatic musical themes, as well as its inclusion of voices in the final movement.
    • Composition Year: 1822-1824
    • Genre: Symphony
    • Key: D minor
    • Movements: Four
    • Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Pathetique Sonata

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This sonata is one of Beethoven's most famous and highly regarded works for solo piano. Its powerful opening movement and emotional depth make it a favorite among pianists and audiences.
    The 'Pathetique Sonata' is a piano sonata written by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is known for its emotional and dramatic character, with contrasting sections of intense passion and tender lyricism. It has become one of Beethoven's most popular and widely performed piano works.
    • Key: C minor
    • Opus Number: Op. 13
    • Composition Year: 1798
    • Movements: 3
    • Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    Symphony No. 7
    尖尖的鹿角 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Symphony No. 7

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This symphony is known for its energetic and rhythmic character, and its second movement, featuring the famous "Allegretto" theme, is one of Beethoven's most popular and widely recognized melodies.
    Symphony No. 7 is a classical music composition by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is one of his most popular symphonies and is renowned for its dynamic and energetic nature. The symphony consists of four movements and was composed between 1811 and 1812.
    • Key: A major
    • Number of Movements: 4
    • Premiere Date: December 8, 1813
    • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
    • Orchestration: Orchestra
  7. 7
    16
    votes

    Emperor Concerto

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This piano concerto is one of Beethoven's most popular and frequently performed works. Its majestic and virtuosic solo part, combined with the grandeur of the orchestral writing, make it a favorite among pianists and audiences.
    The Emperor Concerto, also known as Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, is one of Beethoven's most popular and well-known compositions. It is a concerto for piano and orchestra, consisting of three movements.
    • Key: E-flat major
    • Opus Number: 73
    • Number of Movements: 3
    • Composition Year: 1809
    • Duration: Approximately 40-45 minutes
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Violin Concerto

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This concerto is one of Beethoven's most beloved works, known for its lyrical beauty and expressive power. It is considered one of the greatest works in the violin repertoire and is often performed by top violinists around the world.
    The Violin Concerto is a masterpiece composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1806. It is considered one of the most popular and significant violin concertos in the classical music repertoire. The composition showcases Beethoven's unique style and displays his mastery in writing for the violin within the concerto form.
    • Year of Composition: 1806
    • Form: Concerto
    • Key: D major
    • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
    • Instrumentation: Violin solo, orchestra (including strings, woodwinds, brass, and timpani)
  9. 9
    1
    votes
    Missa Solemnis
    Ludwig van Beethoven · Public domain

    Missa Solemnis

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This mass is one of Beethoven's most monumental and spiritually profound works. Its complex choral and orchestral writing, combined with its deeply moving text, make it a masterpiece of sacred music.
    Missa Solemnis is a sacred choral composition by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is considered one of his most monumental and profound works. Composed between 1819 and 1823, the Missa Solemnis showcases Beethoven's mastery of symphonic writing and his deep religious devotion. It is a Mass in D major that falls outside the standard liturgical settings and is known for its grand scale and complex musical structure.
    • Composition Period: 1819-1823
    • Key: D major
    • Genre: Sacred choral composition
    • Instrumentation: Full orchestra, chorus, and soloists
    • Duration: Approximately 80 minutes
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Egmont Overture

    Ludwig van Beethoven
    This overture is one of Beethoven's most dramatic and thrilling works, written as part of a set of incidental music for a play. Its powerful brass fanfares and heroic themes make it a favorite among orchestras and audiences.
    The Egmont Overture is a famous composition by Ludwig van Beethoven that was written as part of his incidental music for the play Egmont by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is a dramatic and powerful orchestral piece that captures the heroic struggle and eventual triumph of the protagonist, Count Egmont.
    • Key: F minor
    • Form: Overture
    • Composition date: 1810
    • Genre: Classical
    • Duration: Approximately 8 minutes

Missing your favorite song?

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Historical significance
    Consider how the song has influenced the development of classical music and its impact on subsequent composers and musicians.
  2. Popularity and recognition
    Determine the level of popularity and recognition the song enjoys, both among music enthusiasts and the general public. This can be measured through concert performances, online streaming, and sales figures.
  3. Critical acclaim and reviews
    Take into account the opinions and analyses of music critics, scholars, and experts, as they provide valuable insights into the quality and importance of the song.
  4. Emotional impact and resonance
    Consider the emotional impact of the song on listeners and how it can evoke strong feelings or transport them to different moods and states of mind.
  5. Technical mastery and innovation
    Assess the level of technical skill and innovation portrayed in the composition and performance of the song. This includes the complexity of the musical structure, the use of instruments, and the development of themes and motifs.
  6. Cultural relevance
    Evaluate the song's relevance to the broader cultural context, including its connection to historical events, its use in film, television, and advertising, or its association with popular culture.
  7. Universality and timelessness
    Consider the song's ability to appeal to listeners across different backgrounds, generations, and cultures, as well as its enduring importance and relevance in the world of classical music.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Beethoven song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1347 views
  • 204 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular beethoven song

Beethoven's music has been celebrated for centuries and his compositions are still widely admired and listened to today. He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time, and has written countless symphonies, sonatas, and concertos. When it comes to his most popular songs, it's difficult to narrow it down to just one. However, through the use of polls and rankings, we've been able to determine which of Beethoven's songs are the most beloved by fans around the world. Discover the top picks for the most popular Beethoven songs and immerse yourself in the timeless compositions that have stood the test of time.

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