Top 10 Best Beethoven Compositions

Before you cast your votes, take a second to appreciate just how much Beethoven reshaped what music could be. Born in 1770 and going deaf by the time he composed some of his most complex pieces, the guy didn't just write music. He redefined it. He caught the tail end of the Classical period, tossed it in a blender and poured out what we now call the Romantic era. Without him, orchestras might still be playing polite minuets instead of thunderous symphonies that punch you in the soul.

You're not just voting for popular tunes here. You're weighing in on a body of work that includes everything from delicate piano pieces to grand, sprawling symphonies that shake concert halls. Some of these works have been analyzed, memorized, orchestrated, rearranged, debated and performed on repeat for centuries. And for good reason. Beethoven didn't follow rules. He rewrote them. He turned pauses into statements, wrote silence like it was sound and had the nerve to end symphonies with choral explosions when everyone else was still wrapping things up with a polite bow.
The Top Ten
Ode to Joy (Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125)

The fact that this was composed when he was nearly deaf makes this an unparalleled composition in musical history!

Memorable tune? Check.

Deaf composer? Check. (Who can still somehow make this sound amazing.)

Great song? Check!

Among critics, it is almost universally considered Beethoven's greatest work of all time.

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67

Everyone all over the world knows this song. The four opening notes are so famous, even though three of them are the same. Even if you have never heard this before, it will sound familiar to you.

I just love this because you know Beethoven must have put a lot of time into this fabulous symphony, and it really pays off. This symphony will be remembered forever!

This is one of my favorites of Beethoven's many works. When I was a child, this song was on a Little Einsteins episode!

I could not speak after hearing the intensity of the climax in the first movement of this stunning piece.

Für Elise (Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor, WoO 59)

Mesmerizing and incomparable. This piece from Beethoven is by far my favorite. It has a certain complexity and yearning, as if he's remembering someone from the mists of forgotten memories. Thank you for blessing us with such a master-class, maestro.

It's awesome. Every time I listen to it, it takes me to a different world. It really has some great memories attached.

I love this song. I also know how to play it, but not the whole thing. In fact, I'm listening to it right now.

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight Sonata," Movement 1

AMAZING! This is the most emotional piece you will ever hear in your life! This piece gives me goosebumps down my spine every time.

It feels like a dream that keeps getting better and better. The triplets and the interjections make it all the better.

The greatest composition I've ever heard. It totally touches every inch of your soul in each chord. Beethoven was an exceptional genius.

Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica"

In my opinion, I believe this was one of Beethoven's best works. Love it.

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique"

This song makes me cry whenever I hear the beginning of it. It is too beautiful and emotional for me.

Overall, the piece is just brilliant! My favorite would have to be the second movement.

Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor"

This concerto, especially the first movement, is just heaven's music. If we were to meet aliens and show them a sneak peek of our whole musical history, I wouldn't even hesitate for a second. This is glorious.

This is my absolute favorite piece of music ever. I have heard it hundreds of times and I am nowhere near done.

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight Sonata," Movement 2

It is so great. I really want to know how to play like that.

Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92, Movement 2: Allegretto

The first movement is very underrated. It has to be one of the best pieces of orchestral music that has ever been created.

I feel inspired when I listen to this song. I often play this song in the back of my head for hours or even days at a time.

The most beautiful piece of music ever written with the most ingenious dynamics I've ever heard.

The Newcomers

? Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37
? Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer"
The Contenders
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight Sonata," Movement 3

I love this song. It may be fast and hard to play on piano, but boy, is it beautiful.

Super catchy.

Your feet just have a mind of their own.

Turkish March (The Ruins of Athens, Op. 113)
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral"
Egmont Overture, Op. 84

Very pleasing to the ears. I would say it is one of the more difficult songs for a piano player. You'd have to be very good to get this one down, unlike Fur Elise.

The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43: Overture

Just pure joy. The melodies are a treat for a musical ear. Maybe not the best ballet, but in the top ten for me.

Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 in F Major, Op. 50
Minuet in G Major, WoO 10 No. 2
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata"

Together with the other great piano sonatas, Moonlight and Pathétique, it is one of the best.

Probably my favorite Beethoven piano sonata.

Missa Solemnis in D Major, Op. 123
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier," Movement 3: Adagio

This is the best one by him, in my opinion. It is so beautiful. It reminds me of summer nights.

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