The Most Popular Beethoven Symphony, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the symphony you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:30
In the world of classical music, Beethoven's symphonies hold a special place, captivating audiences for centuries with their profound beauty and revolutionary spirit. Yet, amidst the sea of his musical masterpieces, opinions often vary on which symphony stands as the pinnacle of his creativity. This makes identifying the most beloved symphony an engaging pursuit, offering both new listeners and seasoned aficionados a reason to revisit these monumental works.
By casting your vote for your preferred Beethoven symphony, you contribute to a dynamic ranking that reflects the collective admiration of listeners worldwide. Each vote serves not only as a nod to personal taste but also as an integral part of a broader conversation about musical excellence. This ranking is continually updated, providing a fresh perspective on which of Beethoven's symphonies resonates the most in the present day.
What Is the Most Popular Beethoven Symphony?
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173votes
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is perhaps Beethoven's most famous work, featuring the iconic four-note opening motif. It is often considered a masterpiece of classical music.Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, is one of his most famous and influential works. It is a four-movement symphony that showcases Beethoven's masterful composition and innovative musical techniques. The symphony is known for its powerful and dramatic tone, with its iconic opening motif of three short notes followed by a long note. The emotive and memorable melodies throughout the symphony capture the listener's attention and evoke a wide range of emotions. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 is considered an emblematic representation of the classical symphony genre and a cornerstone of Western classical music.- Key: C minor
- Opus: Op. 67
- Number of movements: Four
- Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Premiere: 1808
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232votes
Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770 - 1827) · Public domainSymphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is famous for its use of a choir and soloists, and its final movement includes the famous "Ode to Joy" melody. It is considered a landmark in Western music.The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, also known as the 'Choral Symphony,' is a monumental composition by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is considered one of Beethoven's greatest works and an iconic masterpiece of Western classical music. The symphony is known for its powerful and uplifting finale, which features a chorus and vocal soloists.- Key: D minor
- Opus number: Op. 125
- Composed: 1822-1824
- Premiered: May 7, 1824
- Movements: 4
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317votes
尖尖的鹿角 · CC BY-SA 3.0Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is known for its energetic and lively rhythms, and has been used in popular culture, including in the movie "The King's Speech."The Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 is a famous symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is known for its energetic and lively character, and is widely regarded as one of Beethoven's greatest masterpieces. The symphony was first performed in 1813 and continues to be a beloved and frequently performed work in the classical music repertoire.- Key: A major
- Opus Number: Op. 92
- Year of Composition: 1812-1813
- Number of Movements: 4
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
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423votes
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 (Eroica)
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is famous for its length and its use of unconventional harmonies and dynamics. It is often considered a turning point in Beethoven's career.The Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55, also known as the Eroica Symphony, is a magnificent composition by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was composed in 1803 and premiered in Vienna in 1805. The symphony is a groundbreaking work that marked the beginning of Beethoven's middle period, characterized by his bold and innovative musical style. With its emotional intensity, dramatic structure, and extended length, the Eroica Symphony revolutionized the symphonic genre and had a profound influence on the development of classical music.- Key: E-flat major
- Opus Number: Op. 55
- Premiere Year: 1805
- Style: Classical/Romantic
- Number of Movements: 4
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520votes
No data availablePas de mention d'auteur exploitable · Public domainSymphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (Pastoral)
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is known for its programmatic depiction of nature, and is considered a departure from Beethoven's more dramatic works.Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, also known as the Pastoral Symphony, is a composition by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was completed in 1808 and is one of his most famous works. The symphony was inspired by the composer's love for nature and depicts various scenes of countryside life.- Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
- Key: F major
- Opus: Op. 68
- Year of composition: 1808
- Number of movements: 5
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64votes
Enrico Blasutto · CC BY-SA 4.0Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is often overshadowed by Beethoven's more famous works, but is still considered a masterful composition, featuring a lively and energetic finale.Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60 is one of the nine symphonies composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German composer. It was written between 1806 and 1807 and was first performed in March 1807. This symphony is distinct from Beethoven's other symphonies as it is often described as more lighthearted and classical in style compared to the dramatic and revolutionary nature of his other works. Despite its initial reception being overshadowed by the popularity of Symphony No. 3 and Symphony No. 5, Symphony No. 4 has gained recognition for its exceptional orchestration and melodic charm.- Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
- Key: B-flat major
- Opus Number: Op. 60
- Year of Composition: 1806-1807
- First Performance: March 1807
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711votes
Otto Singer II (1865-1931) · Public domainSymphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is known for its exuberant and joyful character, and is often considered a precursor to Beethoven's more mature works.The Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 is a symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was written between 1801 and 1802, during a challenging period in Beethoven's life. Despite its proximity to his groundbreaking Symphony No. 1, the Symphony No. 2 exhibits a more classical style but still showcases Beethoven's unique musical language.- Key: D major
- Opus Number: Op. 36
- Composition Period: 1801-1802
- Style: Classical
- Number of Movements: 4
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89votes
Ludwig van Beethoven · Public domainSymphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is considered a more traditional classical work, but still displays Beethoven's unique style and artistic voice.Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21 is the first symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It was completed in 1800 and premiered on April 2, 1800, in Vienna. This symphony marks Beethoven's transition from the classical style of Mozart and Haydn to his own unique musical language. It showcases Beethoven's mastery of orchestration, innovative use of dynamics, and structural complexity.- Key: C major
- Opus Number: Op. 21
- Year Completed: 1800
- Premiere Date: April 2, 1800
- Style: Classical
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98votes
尖尖的鹿角 · CC BY-SA 3.0Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is known for its humor and lightness, and is often considered a more lighthearted work in Beethoven's canon.The Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 is a classical symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is known for its lively and exuberant nature, often described as playful and energetic. This symphony consists of four movements and has a duration of approximately 25 minutes. It was composed between the years 1811 and 1812 and premiered in Vienna in 1814. The Symphony No. 8 showcases Beethoven's mastery of orchestration, showcasing various instruments and their capabilities. It is considered one of Beethoven's shorter and less monumental symphonies, but still displays his distinctive style and musical innovation.- Key: F major
- Opus Number: 93
- Number of Movements: 4
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
- Year of Composition: 1811-1812
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1010votes
Symphony No. 5.5 (Beethoven's 10th)
Ludwig van BeethovenThis symphony is a hypothetical reconstruction of a symphony that Beethoven was reportedly working on before his death. While not an actual Beethoven composition, it has gained popularity among fans of his music.Symphony No. 5.5, commonly known as Beethoven's 10th, is a symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. It is a hypothetical symphony that was never completed or publicly performed. Despite its incomplete status, it has become a subject of intrigue and speculation among music enthusiasts and scholars.- Title: Symphony No. 5.5 (Beethoven's 10th)
- Composition period: Early 19th century
- Status: Unfinished
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Movements: Unknown, assumed to have at least 3 movements
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Ranking factors for popular symphony
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Melodic strengthThe memorable and powerful melodies within the symphony, often regarded as the ‘tunes' that listeners identify and remember. 2. Orchestration and harmony: The range of colors, textures, and emotions created by the instruments and harmonies used in the symphony. 3. Emotional impact: The emotional response the symphony evokes from listeners, often drawing on personal and cultural associations. 4. Innovation and influence: The degree to which the symphony breaks new ground, setting standards or trends that influence other composers and musical works. 5. Structural clarity: The organization, balance, and coherence between the various sections and movements of the symphony. 6. Performances and recordings: The frequency and quality of performances and recordings by renowned orchestras, conductors, and soloists, as well as the overall critical reception to these renditions. 7. Historical context and cultural significance: The importance and impact of the symphony within its historical context, as well as its lasting influence on subsequent generations of composers and musicians. 8. Popularity and accessibility: The overall appeal of the symphony to a broad audience, including both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts. 9. Story and programmatic elements: If the symphony has any extra-musical narrative or programmatic elements that contribute to its popularity. 10. Personal taste and subjective preferences: Ultimately, individual preferences and experiences will play a significant role in determining the popularity of a Beethoven symphony for each listener.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Beethoven symphony. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Symphony is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1651 views
- 206 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Symphony once every 24 hours. The rank of each Symphony is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular beethoven symphony
Beethoven is considered one of the most celebrated composers in the world of classical music, and his symphonies remain some of the most beloved pieces in the genre. With nine symphonies to his name, Beethoven's work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Each symphony is a masterpiece in its own right, featuring unique elements of harmony, melody, and orchestration. From the iconic opening notes of the Fifth Symphony to the sweeping grandeur of the Ninth Symphony, Beethoven's symphonies have stood the test of time and continue to be widely performed and adored by classical music enthusiasts. So, which of Beethoven's symphonies is the most popular? Let's find out!
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