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.
- 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.
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended Rachmaninoff pieces (91–100)
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.
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.
Easter from a Fantastical PaintingSergei Rachmaninov
Each piece in Fantastical Pictures is a duet for two pianos.
The work depicts the journey toward a “holy victory,” as chants from the Russian Orthodox Easter and the resonance of bells are repeated and layered ever more thickly.
One is overwhelmed by the solemn peal of the bells.
VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov
Vocalise originally refers to a method of singing using only vowels such as [a] and [u], but Rachmaninoff used it as the title of an art song that became one of his signature works.
Composed in June 1912 for soprano or tenor with piano, it was later arranged for orchestra several times by Rachmaninoff himself.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff was both a great pianist and a great composer.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend is the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.
43, Variation 18, “Andante cantabile.” It shifts to D-flat major, the parallel major, in 3/4 time, and—as the title indicates—drops the tempo to Andante.
Often performed as a solo piece, it is an exquisitely sweet and consummately crafted masterpiece for piano.
