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A painting of Ludwig van Beethoven is deep etched over a background of bright purple, blue and magenta watercolour strokes.

Beethoven's 'Emperor' Concerto takes out top spot in the Classic 100: Piano

The votes are in, and Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, the 'Emperor', has been voted Australia's favourite piano piece!

This is the third time the Emperor has come first in a Classic 100, and the 11th time it's placed in a Classic 100.

It's music that pushed the boundaries of the piano and transformed how composers used the instrument.

A staple on concert stages, the Emperor is also beloved for its use on the screen including movies like The King's Speech and Dead Poets Society.

Check out your top 1-100 and catch up on your favourite moments from the countdown.

More results

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Listen to your favourite moments from the countdown

Don't worry if you missed some of the countdown! You can listen to the full countdown or catch up on your favourite moments. We've also put together some special audio features dedicated to your favourites.

Listen here

The 2025 Classic 100: Piano total votes cast 139,586 votes.

How you voted in the Classic 100: Piano

We break down how you voted in the Classic 100: Piano including 19 soundtracks, music by 27 living composers and the most music by women of any countdown.

By the numbers

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Catch up on all the action on the live blog

Take a dive into your number one, read highlights of favourites along the way, enjoy expert commentary, and hear what listeners shared about their most-loved piano music in the top 100.

Live blog

A picture of a grand piano on top of a purple and blue colourful background

101 to 200 in the Classic 100: Piano

Was there anything you voted for that didn't make the top 100? See if they nearly made it in our list of the music voted 101-200.

Your 101-200

Francesca Bridgerton seated at the piano in a gold gown.

How women have used the piano to push social boundaries for centuries

The top 100 in the Classic 100: Piano features the most music by women ever. This is no surprise given women's centuries-long connection with the piano.