Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.

Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos “Tarantella”Sergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninov’s Suite no. 2 in C minor for Two Pianos, op. 17, IV. Tarantelle: Presto

It’s a cool yet passionate piece that combines strength and richness while constantly shimmering with Rachmaninoff’s signature sparkle.

You’ll be captivated from the very beginning.

After the failed premiere of his Symphony No.

1, Rachmaninoff fell into a slump and went through a period where he couldn’t compose.

This piece dates from the time when he was beginning to recover.

Song Collection of 14, No. 14: VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa sings “Vocalise” – Rachmaninoff

Vocalise is a singing technique used mainly for vocal exercises, in which one sings only vowels such as “ah,” and this Rachmaninoff piece also has no lyrics.

It was originally written for solo voice and piano accompaniment, but the composer later created an orchestral version himself.

There are many arrangements, including a solo piano version and duet versions for a solo instrument such as cello or violin with piano accompaniment.

In arranged versions, the piece is often transposed to E minor.

Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – Variation 18 “Yutaka Sado × Kyohei Sorita” with the Japan National Orchestra (Tour Rehearsal)

It’s a masterpiece composed for piano and orchestra.

Based on Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices, it unfolds in 24 variations.

In particular, the 18th variation is a highly popular piece that captivates many listeners with its graceful, enchanting melody and harmony.

Rachmaninoff completed the work in just seven weeks during the summer of 1934 at his home in Switzerland.

It premiered in November 1934 with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and it’s said he drank crème de menthe before the performance to calm his nerves.

This piece is recommended for those who want to play gently yet romantically, while consciously bringing out the melodic line within the chords.

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 – II. Andante (Second Movement)Sergei Rachmaninov

Piano Concerto No. 2, Second Movement / Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.

2 in C minor, Op.

18 is the work that brought him widespread recognition as a concerto composer.

In contrast to the vigorous first movement, the second movement is striking for its serene, prayer-like, and sublime atmosphere, and even the piano part alone offers an enchanting beauty.

Although Rachmaninoff did not leave a solo piano version, various arrangements have been published.

Choose one that suits your level, and enjoy playing the smoothly flowing melodies and the characteristically Rachmaninoffian harmonic shifts.

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Piano Concerto, Episode 3Sergei Rachmaninov

Yunchan Lim 임윤찬 – RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, op. 30

This is a work in which the beauty of Rachmaninoff, founded upon highly advanced technique, truly stands out.

Yefim Bronfman is a pianist born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in the former Soviet Union.

The Rachmaninoff piano concerto he performs is a very famous piece, presented in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic.

Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2 “Prelude”Sergei Rachmaninov

Evgeny Kissin Rachmaninoff Prelude Op 3 No 2 in C Sharp minor

A piano piece composed around the age of 19 by the Russia-born Sergei Rachmaninoff, famous under the name “The Bells.” It is one of his signature works.

The weighty opening chords resound like tolling bells, and the ominous atmosphere is perfect for Halloween! In the middle section, the fierce triplets heighten unease and tension, sending chills down your spine.

In the West it’s affectionately known as “The Bells of Moscow,” and it was said to be invariably requested as an encore at Rachmaninoff’s recitals.

How about using it as BGM for a Halloween party or as accompaniment when telling scary stories? Listen to this piece, and you’re sure to experience a truly special mood.

Piano Concerto No. 3, Third MovementSergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3, Ashkenazy & Fistoulari (1963) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Ashkenazy

It is one of Rachmaninoff’s signature works, renowned for the high level of technique and musical demands it places on performers.

The piece was composed in the summer at his country estate in Ivanovka, Tambov Oblast.

Listening to it during the same season in which it was written may offer discoveries different from hearing it at other times.

Symphony No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

This piece was composed by Rachmaninoff during a time when he had achieved great success and public recognition as a composer, and his private life was flourishing as well, including his marriage.

Throughout, beautiful melodies unfold that are romantic and dramatic.

It fills you with a sense of happiness.

Moments Musicaux, Op. 16Sergei Rachmaninov

2016 PTNA Special Class Semifinal: Naoto Sugimoto / Rachmaninoff: Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 (Complete)

A sharp-edged piece where fiercely driving melodies and gently lyrical lines take turns emerging.

A few months before this work was completed, the composer reportedly suffered the misfortune of having their money stolen on a train they happened to board.

They said it was quite difficult being short on funds, yet the piece is so polished that it betrays not the slightest hint of inner turmoil.

Suite No. 1: Fantastical PaintingsSergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff / Suite No. 1 “Fantastical Pictures” 1. Barcarolle / Performed by: Michal Horák

Composed in 1893 when Rachmaninoff was around 20, this piano duo piece was dedicated to his esteemed Tchaikovsky.

The premiere was performed by Rachmaninoff himself and Pavel Pabst.

The first movement, “Barcarolle,” is the most famous and is often regarded as Rachmaninoff’s quintessential ‘Barcarolle,’ but…