Beethoven’s Most

Famous WorksPedro J. Torres

Symphony

No. 5

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is

possibly his most well-known

piece of music.

The piece, which is in C minor, is

also known as Symphony No. 5.

He began developing the

composition in 1804 but only

completed it in 1808.

The first performance was at

Theater an der Wien on

December 22, 1808.

It has been repeatedly featured

in movies and other media

including Saturday Night Fever

(1977), Doctor Who (2015), and

Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony.

Fur Elise

Another one of Beethoven’s

most popular pieces, Fur Elise, is

believed to have been

composed in 1810. However, it

wasn’t published until 1867.

The piece falls under the

‘Bagatelle music’ category.

The name literally means ‘for

Elise.’

There is an uncertainty in the

music world when it comes to

the identity of ‘Elise.’

The popular version of today

was first recorded by Ludwig

Nohl.

Barry Cooper transcribed

another version later with

drastic changes.

Piano

Sonata No.8

Another lovely composition is

the Piano Sonata No.8 in C

minor, Op. 13, which is also

called Pathetique Sonata.

It includes 3 movements: quick

with vigor, slow, and quick on

the piano.

Visit this link to learn more about

this piece.

Symphony

No. 9The Choral, or Beethoven’s

Ninth Symphony in D-minor, is

considered Beethoven’s best

composition.

It is not the final symphony per

se, but is the last symphony that

was completely written.

It premiered in Vienna, and the

concert was a big success.

When Beethoven composed

this piece between 1822 and

1824, he was completely deaf.

The piece is also famous for

being the tune behind ‘A Song

of Joy’ by Miguel Rios.