Top 50 Pieces of Classical Music

A comprehensive guide to the top 50 pieces of classical music, perfect for any music lover or beginner.

Introduction

Classical music is often considered a highbrow genre, the preserve of educated, wealthy people with plenty of time on their hands. But it doesn’t have to be like that. There are plenty of pieces of classical music that are easy on the ear and accessible to everyone.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of 50 of the most popular and well-loved pieces of classical music, ranging from Bach’s majestic Brandenburg Concertos to Mozart’s effervescent Piano Sonata No. 11. We’ve tried to include a mix of different composers and styles, so there should be something here for everyone.

So put on your listening helmet, sit back, and enjoy…

The Top 50 Pieces of Classical Music

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

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1804–1808. One of the best-known compositions in classical music, it is regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Western musical canon. 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 Hector Berlioz wrote that it “is one of those works that emanate an inexhaustible wealth of greatness”.

The symphony consists of four movements:
1. Allegro con brio
2. Andante cantabile con moto
3. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
4. Allegro ma non troppo – Presto

It is written in conventional sonata form, with the first and second movements in sonata form and the third and fourth movements both consisting of a theme and variations. The first and second movements are in D major but after a skipped middle section in B♭ major, Beetoven moves to a new key for each movement; the third is in F major while the last returns to D Major for its finale.

The orchestration consists primarily of strings, with brass playing a supportive role for most of the piece except for isolated interjections during tutti sections; woodwinds appear only during tunes or other melodic passages or to highlight coloristic moments such as solo entries by oboes or flutes during variations on Alpine themes presented by horns or other fanfares in what Charles Rosen has called “pairs”.

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

One of the most popular pieces of classical music, Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” is a set of four violin concerti that depict the seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. This particular concerto, “Spring,” is perhaps the most well-known, with its bright and cheerful melodies evoking images of blooming flowers and warm days.

Canon in D Major – Johann Pachelbel

Composed in the Key of D Major, Canon in D Major is one of the most popular and well-known classical pieces ever written. The piece is actually a set of variations on a theme, and was originally written for three violins and basso continuo. The piece gradually builds as more instruments are introduced, eventually reaching a powerful climax. The work is relaxing and heartwarming, making it a perfect choice for weddings, funerals, or any other special occasions.

Moonlight Sonata (Adagio sostenuto) – Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” is one of the most beloved classical pieces of all time. The striking opening adagio sostenuto Movement in C♯ minor is one of the most recognizable piano solos ever written.

Air on the G String – Johann Sebastian Bach

Air on the G String is a popular and much- recorded orchestral piece by Johann Sebastian Bach. It originally appeared as the second half of the Air from his Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068, written c. 1700 for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen, Bach’s patron at the time.

The piece became popular in Victorian England after August Wilhelmj adapted it as a solo violin piece played with piano accompaniment. It has since been arranged for other instruments and ensembles, including versions for orchestra, chamber orchestra, wind ensemble, brass ensemble, and string quartet.

Ave Maria – Franz Schubert

The “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert is a setting of the Latin prayer Ave Maria, composed in 1825. It is one of the most popular pieces of classical music and has been arranged for voice and orchestra, organ, piano, and other instruments.

The Ave Maria is a devotional hymn to the Virgin Mary, often used as a prayer. The Latin text of the hymn includes the words “Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum”, which translates to “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you”. The Ave Maria is also sometimes referred to as the “Hail Mary Hymn”.

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

The “Waltz of the Flowers” is one of the most popular and well-known pieces from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” It is a beautiful and enchanting ballet that has been performed by ballet companies all over the world. The “Waltz of the Flowers” is also frequently used in popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows, and commercials.

Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846 – Johann Sebastian Bach

Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in C Major is one of the most beloved and well-known pieces of classical music. It is often performed as a stand-alone piece, or as part of Bach’s larger work, The Well-Tempered Clavier. The Prelude is known for its simple beauty and catchy melody, which has made it a favorite among classical music lovers and beginners alike.

Requiem, K. 626: III. Dies irae – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The “Requiem”, K. 626, is a musical setting of the Catholic funeral mass for four soloists, double choir and orchestra by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He composed part of the Requiem in Vienna in late 1791, but it was unfinished at his death on 5 December the same year. A completed version dated 1792 by Franz Xaver Süssmayr was delivered to Count Franz von Walsegg, who anonymously commissioned the piece for a Requiem Mass to commemorate his wife’s death on 14 February 1791. This version was first performed in Vienna’s Stephansdom on 2 January 1793, two and a half months after Mozart’s death.

During the following decades, additional composers including Franz Xaver Niemetschek, Karl Jenamy, Andreas Gasparini and Sigismund Neukomm continued to add to or revise parts of the Requiem. In the late 20th century, further changes were made by Benjamin Britten (completed 1964), Brian read (completed 1990), Richard Hill (completed 2002) and David Ewart (completed 2006).

Requiem masses have been held regularly since Mozart’s time up until today as part of Catholic funeral rites. Notable examples outside Vienna include: Ludwig van Beethoven’s setting of “Messe in C minor” (1803), which he intended as his own Requiem; Hector Berlioz’s “Grande Messe des Morts” (“Great Mass of the Dead”), Op. 5 (1837); Giuseppe Verdi’s “Messa per Rossini” (“Requiem for Rossini”) of 1868; Verdi’s “Messain A”, Op. 74 (1874); Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 (1888); Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms” for chorus and orchestra(1930); Maurice Duruflé Réquiem Op 9 1947).

The first complete recording was made by Arturo Toscanini with the NBC Symphony Orchestra and the Westminster Choir in 1944; however it was not commercially issued until 1950 due to legal wrangles surrounding publication rights.

Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, K. 525 “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”: I. Allegro – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

One of the most popular and well-known classical pieces ever written, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1787. The name of the piece literally means “a little night music,” and it was intended to be a light, easy-listening work for string instruments. The entire piece is only about 15 minutes long, but it has become one of the most iconic and recognizable classical works in history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 50 pieces of classical music are a great way to get started in your exploration of the genre. If you’re looking for something specific, like a piece for a wedding or funeral, you may want to check out our list of the top 100 classical pieces. Whatever your tastes, we hope you enjoy exploring the world of classical music!