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	Lilac Op. 21-5Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s famous spring piece, Lilacs
4	Spring Flood Op.14-11Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s song expressing a powerful spring
5	Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14Sergei Rachmaninov		My heart is moved by Rachmaninoff’s Songs Without Words
6	Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s nostalgic autumn dusk piece
7	Ten PreludesSergei Rachmaninov		A 1903 work consisting of ten pieces
8	Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36Sergei Rachmaninov		Pieces Rachmaninoff composed in Italy
9	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
10	Vigil Prayer, Op. 37Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's unaccompanied Orthodox choral works
11	Symphonic Dances, Op. 45Sergei Rachmaninov		Experience various musical styles in Rachmaninoff’s final work
12	Choral Symphony “The Bells”Sergei Rachmaninov		A choral symphony depicting the sound of bells by Rachmaninoff
13	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A minor, Op. 43Sergei Rachmaninov		The piece Rachmaninoff composed on a theme by Paganini
14	Variations on a Theme by Corelli, Op. 42Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s last solo piano piece
15	Prelude in C-sharp minor “Bells”, Op. 3 No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		A piece inspired by the bells of the Kremlin Palace
16	Symphonic Poem “Isle of the Dead,” Op. 29Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s piece inspired by Böcklin’s painting
17	13 PreludesSergei Rachmaninov		A musical work composed by Rachmaninoff in 1910
18	ArekoSergei Rachmaninov		The tragedy of a young nobleman who loved a Gypsy girl
19	Oriental SketchSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's revolutionary-period piano pieces
20	Pictorial Études ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Op. 33 No. 1 in F minorSergei Rachmaninov		Etude-Tableaux No. 1, Op. 33 by Rachmaninoff
21	Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Fusion of Anxiety and Peace
22	Symphonic Poem ‘Prince Rostislav’Sergei Rachmaninov		Distinctive melodies found in Rachmaninoff’s apprentice symphonic poem
23	Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's last symphony
24	Lilac (A-flat major), Op. 21 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov		A piece in which Rachmaninoff transformed the scene of lilacs into sound
25	This is a wonderful place, Work 21-7Sergei Rachmaninov		A famous Russian art song, a bright and gentle miniature
26	Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40Sergei Rachmaninov		A rare work by Rachmaninoff after his emigration to America
27	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C major, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s monumental piano concerto
28	Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39Sergei Rachmaninov		Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff...
29	Etude-Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 2 in A minor “The Sea and the Seagull”Sergei Rachmaninov		A summer piano piece, a masterpiece by Rachmaninoff
30	Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 13Sergei Rachmaninov		Developed neurosis due to harsh criticism of Rachmaninoff’s premiere.
31	Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 3Sergei Rachmaninov		Unaccompanied sacred choral works of the Orthodox Church
32	Fantasiestücke, Op. 3 No. 1: ElegySergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s masterful work rich in emotional expression
33	From “Fantasy Miniatures,” No. 1: ElegySergei Rachmaninov		A world-renowned composer and pianist born in Russia…
34	Etudes Collection “Pictures at an Exhibition”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff Etudes-Tableaux
35	Piano Concerto No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff, a composer who represents Russia…
36	Oriental Sketch in B-flat majorSergei Rachmaninov		A short piece with intense, Oriental-style melodies
37	Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		A masterpiece whose beautiful melody stirs the heart
38	Capriccio on Gypsy Themes, Op. 12Sergei Rachmaninov		Introduction to Rachmaninoff’s Works with Gypsy Cultural Influences
39	Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 – Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		The beautiful melodies of Rachmaninoff's symphonies
40	13 Preludes, Op. 32 No. 5 in G majorSergei Rachmaninov		Characteristics of Rachmaninoff’s Preludes and Tips for Performance
41	Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos “Tarantella”Sergei Rachmaninov		Always enveloped in Rachmaninoff’s sparkling aura…
42	Song Collection of 14, No. 14: VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov		A famous a cappella piece sung using only vowels
43	Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a masterpiece
44	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
45	Piano Concerto, Episode 3Sergei Rachmaninov		Performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto
46	Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2 “Prelude”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Bells, an eerily magnificent masterpiece
47	Piano Concerto No. 3, Third MovementSergei Rachmaninov		One of Rachmaninoff’s representative works, and a performance…
48	Symphony No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		He also achieved great success as a composer and gained public recognition, …
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	Prelude in C-sharp minor “The Bells”Sergei Rachmaninov		A Collection of Popular Pieces by Rachmaninoff
52	Nocturne No. 1 from Three NocturnesSergei Rachmaninov		A Russian who was active from the 19th to the 20th century...
53	Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 2: WaltzSergei Rachmaninov		A clear and graceful piece from Rachmaninoff’s collection of piano miniatures
54	Symphony No. 2, Movement 3Sergei Rachmaninov		The success and fulfillment of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3
55	Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, third movement. A beautifully Slavic slow movement.
56	Italian PolkaSergei Rachmaninov		A polka packed with the charm of piano four hands
57	Three NocturnesSergei Rachmaninov		A fine work from Rachmaninoff’s youth, brimming with Russian sentiment
58	Salon Small Works CollectionSergei Rachmaninov		An elegant work from Rachmaninoff’s youth
59	Piano Concerto No. 2, First Movement [Duet]Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachma..., a Russian composer who represents the 20th century
60	Etude (Study) “Pictures of an Exhibition,” Op. 39-1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's complex and dramatic piano piece
61	Variations on a Theme by Chopin, Op. 22Sergei Rachmaninov		From melancholy to brilliance: Rachmaninoff on a Chopin theme
62	Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2: Prelude “The Bell”Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece, used by Mao Asada
63	Fantasy Pieces: “Elegy” in E-flat minor, Op. 3 No. 1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's lyrically sorrowful piece
64	Scherzo in D minor for OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s early orchestral work at age 14
65	Suite No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov		Piano duo piece, composition five years later
66	Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1Sergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's graduation examination piece
67	Piano Concerto No. 2, First MovementSergei Rachmaninov		Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninoff
68	Picturesque Etudes “Tableaux,” Op. 39, No. 6: “Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf”Sergei Rachmaninov		Sergei, the great composer who represents Russia, ...
69	Moments Musicaux No. 4Sergei Rachmaninov		A Russian-born composer who represents modern classical music…
70	Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36Sergei Rachmaninov		Characteristics and Appeal of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2
71	13 Preludes, Op. 32 No. 11 in B majorSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff prelude low difficulty
72	Six Pieces, Op. 11: No. 6 “Slava (Glory)”Sergei Rachmaninov		Performance commentary on Rachmaninoff’s piano duet piece “Slava.”
73	Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 No. 3 in B minorSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux require a careful performance.
74	Salon Pieces, Op. 10: No. 3, BarcarolleSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s barcarolle feels weighty, as if sailing through a storm.
75	Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19Sergei Rachmaninov		Cello Sonata by Rachmaninoff
76	Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
77	Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov		Rachmaninoff’s soothing masterpiece, popular at weddings
78	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov		Not just a glamorous atmosphere, but also a heavy, cool vibe...
79	Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Movement ISergei Rachmaninov		You can play Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces in beginner-friendly arrangements
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		A Russian composer who was extremely active in the 1890s, ...
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’s work published in 1913...
89	ElegySergei Rachmaninov		A Russian-born musician, among the Fantasiestücke...
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		Sergei Rachmaninoff, the Russian musician…
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...