The Top 100 Classical Music Works of All Time

There are many ways to compile a list of the top 100 classical music works of all time. You could go by popularity, by critic’s choice, or by a number of other factors. In this particular case, we’ve compiled a list of the top 100 classical music works of all time based on a number of factors, including popularity, critic’s choice, and historical significance.

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

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, was composed between 1804 and 1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. E. T. A. Hoffmann described the symphony as “one of the most important works of the time”, and Hans von Bülow called it “Beethoven’s greatest work”.

The symphony is regarded as a pinnacle of classical music; Leonard Bernstein called it “the greatest” in a famous 1951 essay, and many critics have placed it as one of their top ten symphonies ever written. Its opening motif is one of the best known in musical history; Anton Bruckner said that when he first heard it, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Eine kleine Nachtmusik – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a staple of the classical repertoire. The work, which translates to “a little night music,” is one of Mozart’s most popular and beloved pieces. Written in 1787, the work is a serenade in four movements that is often performed by small ensembles or orchestras. The piece has been featured in countless films and television shows, making it one of the most recognizable classical works of all time.

Canon in D Major – Johann Pachelbel

One of the most popular pieces of classical music, Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major has been adapted, arranged and re-orchestrated numerous times since its initial publication in the early 18th century. The piece is written in 3/4 time and consists of a ground bass – a repeating musical pattern that serves as the foundation for the melody line. The melody is then repeated several times, each time with a different instrument taking the lead – giving the piece a contrapuntal feel.

Despite its popularity, there is some debate as to whether or not Pachelbel actually composed the piece – there are some similarities between Canon in D Major and another work by Georg Muffat, which was published just a few years earlier. However, there is no definitive evidence one way or the other, so Pachelbel remains the composer most commonly associated with this beloved classical work.

The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi

The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi is an Italian Baroque composer, violinist, teacher and Catholic priest. Vivaldi is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, and his influence during his lifetime was widespread across Europe. He composed many instrumental concertos, for the violin and a variety of other instruments, as well as sacred choral works and more than forty operas. His best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.

Air on the G String – Johann Sebastian Bach

Bach, Johann Sebastian – Air on the G String
Bach is one of the most important and influential composers of all time. His music is still played and studied hundreds of years after his death. The Air on the G String is one of his most famous pieces, and is often used in films and television shows.

Moonlight Sonata – Ludwig van Beethoven

The Moonlight Sonata is perhaps the most famous of all piano sonatas. It was composed in 1801 and dedicated to one of Beethoven’s pupils, the Countess Giulietta Guicciardi.

The Moonlight Sonata is in three movements:
1. Adagio sostenuto – this slow and expressive first movement is written in D-flat major and marked “quasi una fantasia”, meaning “almost a fantasy”. It is the best known of the three movements and often played on its own.
2. Allegretto – this second movement is brief and written in F major, with a lively and playful character.
3. Presto agitato – the final movement returns to D-flat major and is a fast, furious piece with a feeling of unrestraint and spontaneous passion.

This work was one of Beethoven’s favorites and he is said to have remarked that it should be played “like a conversation with someone you love”.

Ave Maria – Franz Schubert

Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” is one of the most popular pieces of classical music ever written. The piece is based on the Latin text of the Hail Mary prayer, and is a setting of that text for voice and piano. “Ave Maria” was composed in 1825, and was originally published as part of Schubert’s Opus 52, a collection of six songs based on poems by Walter Scott.

The piece consists of two parts: the first part is an instrumental introduction, which leads into the second part, which is the setting of the Ave Maria text. The instrumentation of “Ave Maria” is for voice and piano; however, the piece has been arranged for a variety of other instruments and ensembles.

Fur Elise – Ludwig van Beethoven

No classical music lover’s list would be complete without Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.” Though the actual identity of “Elise” is up for debate, it is clear that this work is one of the German composer’s most cherished and beautiful piano pieces. Many people first encounter “Fur Elise” in their piano lessons, but the melody is so catchy and elegant that it has transcended its classical origins to become a pop culture staple. From Miley Cyrus to Michael Jackson, countless artists have put their own spin on this timeless tune.

The Nutcracker – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

One of the most popular ballets of all time, The Nutcracker was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. Based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who is given a nutcracker doll by her godfather on Christmas Eve. The doll comes to life and defeats the Mouse King, before taking Clara on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets, where they are entertained by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court.

The ballet is often performed around Christmas time, and has become one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved works. The score is among the most recognizable in all of classical music, with well-known pieces such as “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers”.

The Moldau – Bedřich Smetana

The Moldau, or “Die Moldau” in German, is a composition by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. It is considered one of his best-known works, and has become a symbol of Czech nationalism. The piece was composed in 1874 and is based on the flow of the Vltava River through Bohemia.

The Moldau starts off slowly, with a solo clarinet playing a simple melody. This solo is later joined by other instruments, and the piece gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a triumphant finale. The work is approximately 10 minutes long and is structured in three distinct sections.

The first section, “Vyšehrad”, or “The Castle Above the Water”, begins with the solo clarinet playing over a background of soft strings. This section represents the calm waters of the Vltava as it flows through Prague.

The second section, “Stvoření světa” or “The Creation of the World”, begins with a forceful horns-and-strings motif that represents the swollen waters of the river as it rushes through the countryside. This section includes a quotation from Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin.

The third and final section, “Vltava v Praze” or “The Vltava in Prague”, begins with the triumphant sound of church bells ringing over the city. The music then returns to the opening theme as the river flows calmly through Prague once again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 100 classical music works of all time are a great way to get started in your exploration of this genre. There is a little something for everyone on this list, so don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new. And, as always, if you have any suggestions for other works that should be included on this list, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

The Top 100 Classical Music Works of All Time

Introduction