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.

Playlist

Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27Sergei Rachmaninov		Characteristics and Uses of Rachmaninoff's Symphonies
2	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov		A grand piano symphony with a romantic melody
3	Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rachmaninov		My heart is moved by Rachmaninoff’s Songs Without Words
4	Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s nostalgic autumn dusk piece
5	Ten PreludesSergei Rachmaninov		A 1903 work consisting of ten pieces
6	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
7	Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36Sergei Rachmaninov		Pieces Rachmaninoff composed in Italy
8	Vigil Prayer, Op. 37Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's unaccompanied Orthodox choral works
9	Symphonic Dances, Op. 45Sergei Rachmaninov		Experience various musical styles in Rachmaninoff’s final work
10	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A minor, Op. 43Sergei Rachmaninov		The piece Rachmaninoff composed on a theme by Paganini
11	Variations on a Theme by Corelli, Op. 42Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s last solo piano piece
12	Choral Symphony “The Bells”Sergei Rachmaninov		A choral symphony depicting the sound of bells by Rachmaninoff
13	13 PreludesSergei Rachmaninov		A musical work composed by Rachmaninoff in 1910
14	Prelude in C-sharp minor “Bells”, Op. 3 No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		A piece inspired by the bells of the Kremlin Palace
15	Pictorial Études ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Op. 33 No. 1 in F minorSergei Rachmaninov		Etude-Tableaux No. 1, Op. 33 by Rachmaninoff
16	Symphonic Poem “Isle of the Dead,” Op. 29Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s piece inspired by Böcklin’s painting
17	Spring Flood Op.14-11Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s song expressing a powerful spring
18	Oriental SketchSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's revolutionary-period piano pieces
19	Lilac Op. 21-5Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s famous spring piece, Lilacs
20	ArekoSergei Rachmaninov		The tragedy of a young nobleman who loved a Gypsy girl
21	Symphonic Poem ‘Prince Rostislav’Sergei Rachmaninov		Distinctive melodies found in Rachmaninoff’s apprentice symphonic poem
22	Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Fusion of Anxiety and Peace
23	Lilac (A-flat major), Op. 21 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov		A piece in which Rachmaninoff transformed the scene of lilacs into sound
24	Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's last symphony
25	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C major, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s monumental piano concerto
26	This is a wonderful place, Work 21-7Sergei Rachmaninov		A famous Russian art song, a bright and gentle miniature
27	Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40Sergei Rachmaninov		A rare work by Rachmaninoff after his emigration to America
28	Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 13Sergei Rachmaninov		Developed neurosis due to harsh criticism of Rachmaninoff’s premiere.
29	Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 3Sergei Rachmaninov		Unaccompanied sacred choral works of the Orthodox Church
30	Fantasiestücke, Op. 3 No. 1: ElegySergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s masterful work rich in emotional expression
31	From “Fantasy Miniatures,” No. 1: ElegySergei Rachmaninov		The beauty of the Elegy from Rachmaninoff’s Fantasie Pieces
32	Etudes Collection “Pictures at an Exhibition”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff Etudes-Tableaux
33	Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39Sergei Rachmaninov		Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff...
34	Piano Concerto No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff, a composer who represents Russia…
35	Oriental Sketch in B-flat majorSergei Rachmaninov		A short piece with intense, Oriental-style melodies
36	Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		A masterpiece whose beautiful melody stirs the heart
37	Capriccio on Gypsy Themes, Op. 12Sergei Rachmaninov		Introduction to Rachmaninoff’s Works with Gypsy Cultural Influences
38	Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 – Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		The beautiful melodies of Rachmaninoff's symphonies
39	13 Preludes, Op. 32 No. 5 in G majorSergei Rachmaninov		Characteristics of Rachmaninoff’s Preludes and Tips for Performance
40	Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos “Tarantella”Sergei Rachmaninov		Always enveloped in Rachmaninoff’s sparkling aura…
41	Song Collection of 14, No. 14: VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov		A famous a cappella piece sung using only vowels
42	Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a masterpiece
43	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 – II. Andante (Second Movement)Sergei Rachmaninov		Play the second movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2
44	Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2 “Prelude”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Bells, an eerily magnificent masterpiece
45	Piano Concerto, Episode 3Sergei Rachmaninov		Performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto
46	Piano Concerto No. 3, Third MovementSergei Rachmaninov		One of Rachmaninoff’s representative works, and a performance…
47	Symphony No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		He also achieved great success as a composer and gained public recognition, …
48	Etude-Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 2 in A minor “The Sea and the Seagull”Sergei Rachmaninov		A summer piano piece, a masterpiece by Rachmaninoff
49	Moments Musicaux, Op. 16Sergei Rachmaninov		A highly accomplished song characterized by alternating intensity and lyricism
50	Suite No. 1: Fantastical PaintingsSergei Rachmaninov		Barcarolle by Rachmaninoff, dedicated to Tchaikovsky
51	Six Pieces, Op. 11: No. 6 “Slava (Glory)”Sergei Rachmaninov		Performance commentary on Rachmaninoff’s piano duet piece “Slava.”
52	Italian PolkaSergei Rachmaninov		A polka packed with the charm of piano four hands
53	Three NocturnesSergei Rachmaninov		A fine work from Rachmaninoff’s youth, brimming with Russian sentiment
54	Salon Small Works CollectionSergei Rachmaninov		An elegant work from Rachmaninoff’s youth
55	Piano Concerto No. 2, First Movement [Duet]Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachma..., a Russian composer who represents the 20th century
56	Etude (Study) “Pictures of an Exhibition,” Op. 39-1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's complex and dramatic piano piece
57	Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22Sergei Rachmaninov		From melancholy to brilliance: Rachmaninoff on a Chopin theme
58	Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2: Prelude “The Bell”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece, used by Mao Asada
59	Fantasy Pieces: “Elegy” in E-flat minor, Op. 3 No. 1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's lyrically sorrowful piece
60	Scherzo in D minor for OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s early orchestral work at age 14
61	Suite No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		Piano duo piece, composition five years later
62	Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's graduation examination piece
63	Piano Concerto No. 2, First MovementSergei Rachmaninov		Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninoff
64	Prelude in C-sharp minor “The Bells”Sergei Rachmaninov		A Collection of Popular Pieces by Rachmaninoff
65	Picturesque Etudes “Tableaux,” Op. 39, No. 6: “Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf”Sergei Rachmaninov		Sergei, the great composer who represents Russia, ...
66	Moments Musicaux No. 4Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux are achingly beautiful.
67	Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36Sergei Rachmaninov		Characteristics and Appeal of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2
68	13 Preludes, Op. 32 No. 11 in B majorSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff prelude low difficulty
69	Nocturne No. 1 from Three NocturnesSergei Rachmaninov		A work composed by Rachmaninoff at age 14, expressing the anxieties of his youth
70	Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 No. 3 in B minorSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux require a careful performance.
71	Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 2: WaltzSergei Rachmaninov		A clear and graceful piece from Rachmaninoff’s collection of piano miniatures
72	Salon Pieces, Op. 10: No. 3, BarcarolleSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s barcarolle feels weighty, as if sailing through a storm.
73	Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19Sergei Rachmaninov		Cello Sonata by Rachmaninoff
74	Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
75	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s soothing masterpiece, popular at weddings
76	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Not just a glamorous atmosphere, but also a heavy, cool vibe...
77	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Movement ISergei Rachmaninov		You can play Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces in beginner-friendly arrangements
78	Symphony No. 2, Movement 3Sergei Rachmaninov		The success and fulfillment of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3
79	Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, third movement. A beautifully Slavic slow movement.
80	Prelude, Op. 3 No. 2 “The Bells”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s “The Bells,” a resounding fantasy piece
81	Prelude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minorSergei Rachmaninov		A Russian pianist who represents the 20th century, Sa...
82	Fantasiestücke, Op. 3 No. 4: The JesterSergei Rachmaninov		Expressing a clown’s whimsical movements through modulation
83	Fantasy Pieces: Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 2 “The Bell”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Bells, a masterwork of high difficulty
84	ElegySergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Exile and Music of Yearning
85	Moments musicaux, Op. 16 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux No. 5, a dreamlike masterpiece
86	Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minor, “Presto”Sergei Rachmaninov		Sergei, with a poignantly wistful melody that leaves a lasting impression...
87	Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minorSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer and pianist...
88	bellSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff 'The Bells'—high difficulty, expressive performance required
89	ElegySergei Rachmaninov		Fantastical Pieces of Sorrow by a Russian Musician
90	Rachmaninoff – The Miserly Knight, Op. 24Sergei Rachmaninov		Only male characters in Rachmaninoff’s operas
91	Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 4: MelodySergei Rachmaninov		A collection of elegant miniatures with a melancholy melody
92	Prelude Op. 23 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's piano concertos are masterpieces.
93	Easter from a Fantastical PaintingSergei Rachmaninov		Expressing the Russian Orthodox Easter with two pianos
94	VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov		Vocalises were originally sung using [a] and [u] and…
95	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov		The great pianist and great composer, Zell…
96	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A minor, Op. 43, Variation 18Sergei Rachmaninov		One of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s representative works is...
97	Island of DeathSergei Rachmaninov		A symphonic poem by Rachmaninoff composed from an etching
98	Trio of Sorrow No. 1 (G minor)Sergei Rachmaninov		Piano, violin, and cello trio
99	Trio of Sorrow No. 2 in D minor, Op. 9Sergei Rachmaninov		A solemn violin piece in memory of Tchaikovsky
100	Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28Sergei Rachmaninov		A long musical piece based on Goethe’s play
101	Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov		A piano piece by Rachmaninoff, completed in 1901, symbolizing Russian nationalism
102	Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rachmaninov		Originally written as a song, it had no lyrics and the mother…
103	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43Sergei Rachmaninov		The master of Russian Romanticism, Sergei Rachmani...