Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
Sergei Rachmaninoff is one of the composers who represent Russia.
Although his talent was recognized by fellow Russian composer Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff once experienced a setback in his musical career.
Perhaps because his works were born from that state of mind and environment, they resonate with people today as well—their wistful, fleeting, and at times passionate style captivates everyone who listens.
This time, I’ve selected pieces ranging from symphonies performed by orchestra to vocal works and piano pieces.
Even when you hear a piece you don’t know, you might find yourself thinking, “Ah, this is Rachmaninoff.”
Please give them a listen.
- [Ultra-Advanced] Even challenging for advanced players! A curated selection of highly difficult piano pieces
- [Beginner-Friendly] Rachmaninoff’s Piano Pieces | A Curated Selection of Accessible Works!
- Sibelius’s famous piece. Popular classical music.
- [Advanced] Super cool if you can play it! Selection of famous piano pieces
- For Advanced Players: Showstopping Classics to Play at a Piano Recital
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Robert Schumann | Introduction to his famous and representative works
- Masterpieces of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and outstanding performances.
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- [For Advanced Players] A Curated Selection of Classical Masterpieces to Tackle at Piano Recitals
- A masterpiece by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music.
Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended Rachmaninoff pieces (81–90)
Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minor, “Presto”Sergei Rachmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece “Moments Musicaux No.
4 in E minor, Presto” is marked by a hauntingly poignant melody.
Rachmaninoff, highly regarded as a pianist, was known for his very large hands.
Naturally, this piece reflects that trait clearly, with repeated octaves in the right hand.
Despite the presence of many short slurs, there are passages where you must still emphasize the staccato, making it a very challenging work overall.
If you’re an advanced player who hasn’t yet tried practicing this piece, be sure to give it a go.
Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minorSergei Rachmaninov
Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer.
Also a pianist, he composed Moments Musicaux in 1896, which includes pieces Nos.
1 through 6; this work is the fourth of the set.
It combines intensity with melancholy and demands formidable virtuosity.
Piano performance by Kyoko Kaise.
bellSergei Rachmaninov
Rachmaninoff’s work The Bells, published in 1913.
While it’s a playful piece that features his signature Dies Irae motif in places, it is also a composition of very high difficulty.
The challenge lies mainly in the rapid passages in the middle section and in the overall expressiveness.
The fast runs are, of course, demanding, but the piece also contains a depth of expression that cannot be conveyed by merely following the score, requiring profound understanding of the music and a high level of expressive ability.
It is truly a perfect work for advanced players.
ElegySergei Rachmaninov
It’s a piece from a set of fantasy miniatures by a Russian-born musician.
It was composed for his composition teacher from his days at the Moscow Conservatory.
It conveys deep sorrow.
I think many people feel calm when they listen to sad music.
He’s famous for being taciturn, but it feels as though he pours emotions he doesn’t usually show on the surface into his music.
Rachmaninoff – The Miserly Knight, Op. 24Sergei Rachmaninov
Op.
24 from the opera The Miserly Knight by Sergei Rachmaninoff, born in Russia in 1873, a composer, pianist, and conductor.
This distinctive work features an all-male cast.
It ushered in a new style of opera in which the orchestra carries a large portion of the work.
Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 4: MelodySergei Rachmaninov
Comprising seven pieces that emphasize cohesion and elegance over flamboyance, the Salon Pieces, Op.
10 features a particularly memorable No.
4, “Melody,” with its air of wistful melancholy.
Although the tempo is relaxed, the piece includes a more animated middle section, allowing you to enjoy clear expressive contrasts within a calm overall character.
Aim to play the poignant melody—woven over the left hand’s arpeggios—smoothly and with ample cantabile, thereby highlighting the contrast with the more active middle passage.
Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended Rachmaninoff pieces (91–100)
Prelude Op. 23 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov
Speaking of Rachmaninoff, while the Piano Concerto that Nodame and Chiaki played in Nodame Cantabile is popular, this piece is actually well-loved too.
Its catchy, brisk rhythm runs from beginning to end.
It’s straightforward, full of drive, and emotionally expressive—a piece with many different shades.