The 100 Best Classical Music Pieces

A list of the 100 best classical music pieces ever composed, including works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart.

Introduction

Classical music is renowned for its beauty, elegance and history. But with so many pieces to choose from, where should you start?

Here we present our pick of the 100 best classical pieces, spanning over 1,000 years of music. From the earliest surviving works to brand new compositions written this century, these are the pieces that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire musicians and music-lovers all over the world.

The 100 Best Classical Music Pieces

Classical music is a timeless genre that has been adored by music lovers for centuries. It is the perfect genre to relax and unwind to, or to get lost in thought. Many of the pieces that are considered classical music were composed centuries ago, and are still as popular today as they were then.

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 – Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, was his fifth and final symphony. It was first performed in 1808. The work is in four movements and is one of the most popular and well-known works of classical music. The symphony is sometimes referred to as “Beethoven’s Fifth.”

The first movement, Allegro con brio, is in sonata form and openings with one of the most famous motifs in Western music: da-da-da-DUM. The motif is repeated three times and then again at the end of the first section. The second section features a more lyrical theme. The development section features a fugue based on the opening motif. The recapitulation features both themes from the first and second sections, played by the full orchestra.

The second movement, Andante con moto, is a slow movement in 3/4 time. It features a beautiful melody played by the clarinet over a simple accompaniment by the strings.

The third movement, Scherzo: Allegro – Poco Meno Allegro – Tempo I, is a lighthearted movement in 3/4 time. It features a playful theme played by the strings and woodwinds with a Trio section featuring a more subdued melody played by the horns and bassoons.

The fourth movement, Presto – Allegro assai vivace – Presto – Allegretto ma non troppo, is a fast movement in sonata form that opens with a driving melody played by the orchestra. The second theme is introduced by the oboe and clarinet before being taken up by the rest of the woodwinds. The development section features some amazing harmony between the winds and strings before leading back to the recapitulation where both themes are played once again by the full orchestra.

Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 – Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, is a choral symphony, the final complete symphony by the German composer. The libretto was assembled from various sources by the poet Friedrich Schiller; including the Ode to Joy, a poem adaptation of verses by Classical Greek dramatist Euripides, and rewritten by Schiller. The words are sung during the final (4th) movement of the symphony by four soloists and a chorus. They were taken from the “Ode to Joy”, a poem written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with text additions made by the composer. In the 2010s, it stands as one of the most performed symphonies in classical music.

The Ninth Symphony was composed while Beethoven was losing his hearing and is conventionally said to mark his triumph over adversity. The opening motif is first played by cellos and double-basses, immediately joined by trombones; followed some bars later by trumpets playing fortissimo A4 trills that build up to C6.

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467, was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Vienna in 1786. It is also known by the title “Elvira Madigan” because of its use in the 1967 film of the same name. The concerto is scored for solo piano, flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns and strings.

The concerto has three movements:

1. Allegro maestoso
2. Andante
3. Allegretto

The first movement is written in sonata form and begins with an orchestral exposition of the main theme, which is then taken up by the solo piano. The second movement is a slow waltz-like Andante, while the third movement is a lively Allegretto.

The concerto was popular in Mozart’s day and continues to be one of his best-known works. It remains a staple of the piano repertoire and has been recorded many times by renowned pianists such asMurray Perahia, Alfred Brendel, Daniel Barenboim and Maurizio Pollini.

Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 – Felix Mendelssohn

The Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 by Felix Mendelssohn was written in 1844 for violinist Ferdinand David. The concerto is one of the most popular and Romantic violin concertos ever written, and has been transcribed for various other instruments.

The Mendelssohn concerto makes use of many differing moods and emotions throughout its three movements. The first movement is introduced by the solo violin, with the orchestra soon entering to provide accompaniment. The second movement is a lyrical and romantic theme and variations, while the third movement is an energetic Presto which brings the work to a thrilling conclusion.

Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to add some beautiful pieces to your collection, the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto is a must-have.

Eine kleine Nachtmusik in G Major, K. 525 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Eine kleine Nachtmusik in G Major, K. 525 is one of the best known classical pieces ever written. It was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1787, and is one of his most popular works. The piece is written for a small orchestra, and is divided into four movements. The first movement is a Allegro, which is a fast and lively tempo. The second movement is a Romance, which is a slower and more romantic tempo. The third movement is a Menuetto, which is a minuet dance. The fourth and final movement is an Allegro, which returns to the fast and lively tempo of the first movement.

The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV 269 “Spring” – Antonio Vivaldi

The seasons were a popular theme in Vivaldi’s music, with he and other contemporary composers writing pieces – often concertos – on the subject. Vivaldi’s four violin concertos, known collectively as “The Four Seasons”, are among the best-known works in all of classical music.

“Spring” is the first of the four concertos, and is one of the most popular pieces of classical music ever written. It begins with a lovely, pastoral violin solo, before the full orchestra comes in to provide a more energetic accompaniment. The piece then alternates between these two sections, painting a vivid picture of the joys and beauties of springtime.

Canon in D Major – Johann Pachelbel

One of the most popular pieces of classical music, Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel is a serene and beautiful piece that has been used in countless weddings and other special occasions. The piece is actually a set of variations on a simple melody, which gives it a timeless quality that has made it one of the most beloved classical pieces of all time.

The Nutcracker, Op. 71a, Act II, Scene 14: “Waltz of the Flowers” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

One of the most popular classical pieces ever written, “Waltz of the Flowers” comes from Tchaikovsky’sballet The Nutcracker. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to dance, and it has become a holiday staple in many homes.

Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act II, Scene 10: “Lake in the Moonlight” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

There is something particularly magical about “Lake in the Moonlight” from Swan Lake. It evokes a peaceful, tranquil feeling that is perfect for relaxing or reflecti

Moonlight Sonata in C# Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 – Ludwig van Beethoven

There is no one perfect way to play the Moonlight Sonata. You might try a very light, gentle touch for the first section, emphasizing the upper notes of the piano (the treble clef) and making the chords sound clear. The second section is usually played a bit faster, with more feeling or emotion. The third section can be played very softly, or with more power and passion.

The Moonlight Sonata was composed in 1801, when Beethoven was living in the small Austrian town of Heiligenstadt. He had just come to the realization that he was going deaf, and the Sonata is believed to be a musical expression of his despair. The Moonlight Sonata is one of Beethoven’s most popular pieces, and has been adapted for many different instruments over the years.

Conclusion

These are the 100 best classical music pieces ever composed, according to critic Joel Vance.