Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, better known as The Emperor, has claimed the top spot in ABC Classic’s 2025 Classic 100: Piano countdown.
This marks the third time The Emperor has taken the number one position in the poll, solidifying its status as one of Australia’s most adored piano pieces. Known for its majestic and technically demanding composition, the concerto has captured audiences since its first performance in 1811.
Beethoven’s dominance in the countdown was further highlighted with nine of his works making it into the top 100, including Moonlight Sonata, which secured second place. Frédéric Chopin also made a strong showing, with nine of his pieces featured, including the Nocturnes, which completed the top three.
The 2025 countdown saw an impressive turnout, with nearly 140,000 votes cast—one of the highest in the event’s 24-year history. This year also marked a significant milestone in diversity, with 11 works by seven female composers included. Additionally, the list featured 27 pieces by living composers and 11 works by Australian artists. Nineteen of the works were written for film or television.
Classic 100 in Concert Line-Up Announced
The annual celebration will culminate with Classic 100 in Concert, set to take place on Friday, 20 June, and Saturday, 21 June, at Hamer Hall in Melbourne. The concert will be broadcast nationally on ABC TV and ABC iview on Saturday, 21 June at 7:30 p.m.
Under the direction of Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform a program that spans centuries and genres, featuring works by Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, Kats-Chernin, and Nat Bartsch.
The concert will be headlined by Australian pianist Andrea Lam, along with Simon Tedeschi, Tamara-Anna Cislowska, Konstantin Shamray, Aura Go, and Dong Jun ‘DJ’ Ha—an inspiring left-handed pianist featured on ABC’s The Piano. Composer-performers Nat Bartsch and Elena Kats-Chernin will each present one of their own works, celebrating the increasing presence of contemporary Australian voices in classical music.
The concert will be hosted by Dr. Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez. This will be the third live performance in the Classic 100 Concert Series.
For more information, visit the ABC Classic website or check out additional details about the MSO concert.
Related topics:
- Experience the Magic of Dwan Bosman at the Piano Bar on Concourse E
- John Lee Plans to Host Aristo Sham in Hong Kong After Winning Prestigious Piano Competition
- Veterans Combat PTSD by Crafting Guitars in American Patriot Music Program
