When people think of classical music, they often think of Ludwig van Beethoven. He sets the gold standard for composers and is nearly synonymous with the entire period.
His signature style of composition is the sonata, and he wrote 32 of them during his life. Even professional pianists spend their lives mastering these pieces, with competitions held worldwide for students at all levels.
While all these sonatas are remarkable, some stand out. Check out our list of the 10 greatest Beethoven piano sonatas and listen to a few to understand why they are so beloved!
10. Piano Sonata No. 27, Op. 90
At number 10, we have Piano Sonata no. 27, op. 90. Exquisitely beautiful and with a unique melody, it was written in 1814, toward the end of the middle period, and was written for Prince Moritz von Lichnowsky.
This is one of the few Beethoven sonatas that only has two movements. The first is a bit restless, full of passionate energy. The second is a rondo, bringing out numerous characteristics that would become common during the Romantic period of music.
Related: Check out our list of facts about Ludwig von Beethoven here.
9. The Hunt, Piano Sonata No. 18, Op. 31
Next, we have Beethoven’sPiano Sonata no. 18, op. 31, usually called The Hunt due to its themes that resemble a horn being played during a hunt.
This is one of Beethoven’s most playful works, a refreshing change from the dramatic and dark themes of many of his other sonatas. Happier themes are common in his earlier works, and this piece was composed in 1802.
At the same time, the joyful, playful nature gives way to deep emotions as the sonata progresses, with a master pianist able to bring out the shift for the listener as the piece goes along.
8. A Therese, Piano Sonata No. 24, Op. 78
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no. 24, op. 78, is frequently overlooked, but it remains one of his greatest.
Compared to his other piano sonatas, Piano Sonata no. 24, op. 78, is relatively short, containing only two movements; however, it is still a powerful work in Beethoven’s repertoire.
It was composed for Countess Therese von Brunswick (which is where it gets its name from), and the two movements are an Adagio and an Allegro.
A typical performance of this brief piece only lasts about nine minutes, but according to Carl Czerny, Beethoven considered the sonata to be one of his favorites. Therefore, it is still frequently performed.
7. Tempest, Piano Sonata No. 17, Op. 31
The Tempest — Piano Sonata no. 17, op. 31 — was composed in 1801 and 1802. It is one of Beethoven’s darkest sonatas, and it portends a significant amount of tragedy.
It has three movements: The first starts slow and builds up, like a storm. The second is slow, wandering, and dramatic. The third picks up the tempo, with triplet groups that seem to converse with each other.
The entire sonata alternates between moments of peacefulness and long passages of distress, with master pianists able to bring out the contrasting expressions of this piece beautifully.
Related: This piece is also in our list of sad piano pieces here.
6. Pathetique, Piano Sonata No. 8, Op. 13
Even though it is one of his earliest works, Piano Sonata no. 8, op. 13, remains one of Beethoven’s most famous sonatas even to this day. It’s dedicated to one of his closest friends, Prince Karl von Lichnowsky.
The Pathetique includes many early classical elements, especially from Mozart’s time. It has three movements, with the second being much slower than the other two. The second movement is also arguably the most famous.
It’s one of the most commonly taught sonatas, with the second movement often used to introduce students to Beethoven. While not as challenging as other sonatas, it’s still frequently performed in concerts.
5. Moonlight Sonata, Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27
Piano Sonata no. 14, op. 27 — better known as the Moonlight Sonata — was composed between 1801 and 1802, and dedicated to one of Beethoven’s students. It’s often performed at piano competitions and professional concerts and is consistently listed among his greatest works.
It contains three distinct movements, all with a different feel. Intermediate pianists commonly learn the first movement, as it has slowed, repetitive triplet groups.
However, the other two movements are far more difficult, with the third movement coming at a quick pace, filled with countless arpeggios that fly up and down a piano.
4. Les Adieux, Piano Sonata No. 26, Op. 81a
Beethoven composed Les Adieux (The Farewell) between 1809 and 1810, as Napoleon attacked Vienna, forcing Archduke Rudolph to flee. The sonata tells the story of people leaving the city. It’s one of Beethoven’s most difficult works and bridges his middle and late periods.
The first movement, “Das Lebewohl” (The Farewell), starts slow and picks up at the end. The second movement, “Abwesenheit” (The Absence), is slow and dramatic. The third movement, “Das Wiedersehen” (The Return), is very fast with runs and arpeggios that challenge the fingers of even the most experienced pianists.
3. Waldstein, Piano Sonata No. 21, Op. 53
The Piano Sonata no. 21, op. 53, known as the Waldstein, is one of the marquee compositions of Beethoven’s middle period. Composed in C major, it is a luminous, happy, upbeat sonata with an average performance of approximately 24 minutes.
It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements significantly longer than the second, which is much more of an introduzione.
The sonata is so difficult that even some of the most accomplished pianists in the world have to simplify the octave glissandos that take place in the third movement.
Regardless, the Waldstein is one of the most frequently performed sonatas and serves as an antipode to the Appassionata, another major middle-period work.
2. Appassionata, Piano Sonata No. 23, Op. 57
The Piano Sonata no. 23, op. 57, Appassionata, is widely regarded as one of Beethoven’s signature works.
Unlike the other major middle-period sonatas, this one is one of the darkest compositions he ever performed. It serves as a beautiful contrast to the luminous Waldstein and the lighthearted Les Adieux.
The piece starts with an Adagio, with cascading runs and lightning arpeggios, before flying through the end of the first movement.
The second movement is an Andante before leading directly into a fast-paced Allegro at the end, which climaxes in a brilliant coda. An average performance takes about 22 minutes.
1. Hammerklavier, Piano Sonata No. 29, Op. 106
And finally, despite debates about other sonatas, there’s no doubt which is the greatest and most challenging: Beethoven’s Hammerklavier, Piano Sonata no. 29 in B-flat Major.
This piece is one of the toughest piano pieces ever, mostly because it lasts around 45 minutes — much longer than any other sonata!
It has four movements: “Allegro,” “Scherzo,” “Adagio,” and “Introduzione.” Beethoven finished it in 1818, and Franz Liszt gave the first public performance in 1836.
The Hammerklavier includes technical elements that hint at the Romantic era and was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf, Beethoven’s patron. Its themes appear in other late-period sonatas, and it remains a staple in classical piano.
Summing Up Our List Of The Greatest Beethoven Piano Sonatas
Listening to Beethoven’s best sonatas is like exploring different stages of his genius.
Each one has something unique, whether it’s the playfulness of Piano Sonata no. 18, the powerful emotions of the Appassionata, or the technical brilliance of the Hammerklavier.
So the next time you want some timeless music, try one of these masterpieces and feel the magic of Beethoven’s touch.
