20 Most Famous Pieces in Classical Music

20 Most Famous Pieces in Classical Music

Classical music is really not everyone’s cup of tea and most people tend to not appreciate it so much. All the same, however, people who are familiar with it rave and endlessly talk about this complex genre that needs a keen sense of understanding to be able to fully appreciate it. For anyone really intrigued by this genre of music, here is a list of some of the most famous pieces in classical music.

1. “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi

This particular piece is among the most well-known and popular pieces by Antonio Vivaldi. It comprises four violin concertos and each of them depicts one of the four seasons. It is considered a timeless classical piece that Anthonio used to prove that indeed, classical music can be just as elegant and luxurious. It really depends on how you choose to look at it.

2. “Requiem” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This is another unique composition by Mozart. The piece managed to give Mozart recognition like never before and given how he gave the world some of the best classical music of all time, this doesn’t really come as a surprise. With a particular piece, however, Mozart died before he could complete it. Thus his student Franz Xaver Sussmayr finished it up and to date, it is among the most celebrated classical pieces.

3. “Für Elise” by Ludwig Van Beethoven

This particular piece is one of Beethoven’s most famous classical songs. It was ironically published fourty years after his death which goes to show how underrated the very talented musician might have been during his time. The song is said to have been written for a friend, known as ‘Elise.’ The piece has become the most common composition people learn as beginners of classical piano

4. “Carmen” by Georges Bizet

Whether or not you are a classical fan, this is one of those pieces that are unforgettable and impressive. Even if you don’t usually love classical music, this one right here by Georges Bizet will make you rethink that. It has been constantly used in TV shows and books and is hence very popular. It tells the story of the destruction of a native soldier, who kills his lover named, Carmen in a jealous rage.

5. “Symphony No. 5” by Ludwig Van Beethoven 

This one is perhaps the most famous classical piece due to how often it has been used in movies and shows.  The first part of this amazing piece is widely recognized around the globe and it never fails to arouse a sense of drama and mystery to its listeners.

6. “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Also popularly known as ‘Serenade No. 13,’ This piece by Mozart is another very popular classical piece that also became Mozart’s most celebrated serenade. When translated, the title says, ‘a little night music.’ The piece is also among the most celebrated orchestra songs played today. It was mainly composed for homes and ballroom events hence why it’s been so popular over the years.

7. “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig Van Beethoven

This piece by the legendary and iconic Beethoven was originally known as “Quasi Una Fantasia, Op. 27, No. 2.” It was very widely recognized at the time of its creation, and to date, it continues to be very much celebrated. It also got its very famous title after a critic expressed how the notes and melodies and just the overall aura of the song, resembled the moonlight shining over Lake Lucerne.

8. “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach

This particular classical piece by Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most famous pieces of classical music that was composed to mainly be played on the organ. It has been played frequently as horror music or villain’s background music in most movies and cartoons hence why it is so popular. It is the kind of tune that when played, you will feel like you definitely know it.

9. “Canon In D Major” by Johann Pachelbel

This particular piece by Johann Pachelbel is considered a recital favourite especially if you’re looking for great classical music that you can play in your wedding or such like vent. It is more or less a fail-safe choice, meaning, depending on where you choose to hear it and use it, it can either impress you or bore you. All in all, it is a masterpiece by itself and Pachelbel did an amazing job with this one. Moreover, its progression has been incorporated into so many pop songs hence showing what a big masterpiece it is.

10. “Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2” by Chopin

Chopin is the OG of classical music. His compositions never disappoint and if you’re looking for a Chopin song that can easily go hand in hand with an existential mood you are in, this is it. In today’s society, it is one of the most recognizable classical songs as it has been used frequently in TV shows and movies.

11. “Clair De Lune” by Claude Debussy

This piece by Claude Debussy has been featured in so many popular movies hence why its popularity keeps soaring. Some of the most popular such movies are, ‘Twilight,’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven.’ This piece was also published many years after its composition. 15 years to be precise with this one. Additionally, it is quite easy to play it on the piano. In fact, it is the easiest among other classical songs to play on the piano thus why it is a go-to for many piano learners and players.

12. “Boléro” by Maurice Ravel 

This song was initially commissioned to be played as a ballet number. Thus, the dancer by the name, of Ida Rubenstein, and her group’s performance made it an instant hit. It has since been appreciated and considered to be Maurice Ravel’s most famous piece of classical music. It has been incorporated into modern music severally hence going to show what a masterpiece it really is in its own right.

13. “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg 

The song is another popular one that has always been appreciated among Edvard Rieg’s compositions. It is popularly known for being used by the famous band, Electric Light Orchestra. Originally, ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ was composed for the ‘Peer Gynt’ play and was even adapted as a theme tune for Alton Towers.

14. “Swan Lake Suite Op. 20: Scene: Enchanted Lake” by Tchaikovsky

This is another famous piece that is more considered and appreciated as a classical ballet score. It has always been somewhat popular and adopted in some movies, but its popularity soared even higher after it was recently used in TikTok edits by many users. Once again, people got to remember and appreciate it more as the masterpiece it really is.

15. “Hungarian Rhapsody No.2” by Franz Liszt  

You cannot mention popular and well-composed classical songs, without mentioning this particular piece by Franz Liszt. This is the kind of song he listened to, you will definitely b hit by a wave of nostalgia. This is because it has been used in so many popular cartoons and hence it will transport you to your childhood days without even trying.  Some of these popular cartoons include Tom and Jerry, Bugs, Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and Sesame Street

16. “Hallelujah Chorus” by George Frideric Handel

Ironically, this is the song that became a saving grace for George Frideric’s career. It saved him from going to prison due to debt because of how successful it ended up becoming. It was indeed a hallelujah song. It is said that during the composition of this piece, George would skip meals often. He gave it his all and that’s why it has a sense of divinity and euphoria that will give you a sense of peace and surrealness that is not so obvious in other classical pieces. If you are into Christian songs, this piece will most definitely impress you too.

17. “Also Sprach Zarathustra Op. 30” by Johann Strauss II

This is Johann Staruss’ most famous classical song. It was used in the very successful and popular 1968 movie, ‘2001:A Space Odyssey.’ From there onwards, its popularity really spiked and it has since become a favourite for sci-fans. With its celestial vibes, you just can’t help but think that you are in another realm altogether. It is indeed a magical classical piece.

18. “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II

This is another Johann Strauss piece that is popular and well-liked globally. This piece was also used in 2001: A Space Odyssey’s opening and like the previous one we have looked at, it also became so well-liked and popular after this movie. It is now very famous in Austria because of its heavy association with Vienna.

19. “Gymnopédie No. 1” by Erik Satie

This piece was the first from Erik Satie’s ‘Trois Gymnopédies’ compositions. It has over the years become one of the most popular classical songs, often recognized due to it being used in ‘Minecraft.’ A very popular sandbox game developed by Mo Studios.

20. “Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner

This last classical piece by Richard Wagner is another famous song very popular for its use in act Three of the famous opera, ‘Walküre.’ This opera tells the story of maidens by the name of Valkyries. They are assigned to bring the martyred heroes to their deserved resting places. It is a very touching story and this piece accompanies it perfectly.

Classical music is a gem. They are special in a way that cannot really be explained until you’ve listened to them and also learned a little bit more about their composers.