Dmitri Kabalevsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

clownDmitri Kabalevsky8rank/position

[Recommended for piano recitals] Clowns ♫ Kabalevsky / Clowns Op.39-20, Kabalevsky

When discussing modern Russian music, one cannot overlook the great composer Dmitry Kabalevsky.

Faithful to realism and active across every genre—including art songs, cantatas, and operas—he was truly a remarkable composer.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is The Comedians.

Its strikingly cool character makes it highly impressive to listen to, and it’s a staple at boys’ piano recitals.

Despite how cool it sounds, the difficulty level is relatively low, so if you have a son who plays piano, be sure to check it out.

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24 Preludes, Op. 38: No. 1 “Andantino”Dmitri Kabalevsky9rank/position

Dmitri Kabalevsky – 24 Preludes Op. 38 (audio + sheet music)

Dmitry Kabalevsky, one of the leading Russian composers of the 20th century, structured his “24 Preludes, Op.

38” so that each piece stands on its own, while drawing on traditional Russian folk songs as motifs.

Among them, No.

1, “Andantino,” is notable for its gentle, lyrical melody.

In the middle section, you can also enjoy a surge of passionate intensity.

Reflecting Kabalevsky’s devotion to music education for children and his wish to convey a way of seeing the world through music, this work is approachable for a broad audience—from children to adults.

Four Rondos, Op. 60: No. 1 “March”Dmitri Kabalevsky10rank/position

Dmitri Kabalevsky – 4 Easy Rondos Op. 60 (audio + sheet music)

Dmitry Kabalevsky, a composer who represents 20th-century Russia.

Among his piano pieces for children, Four Rondos, Op.

60 is one of his most popular collections.

The first piece, March, is striking for its vibrant rhythms and bright melody.

Unfolding in rondo form, this piece can help performers improve their technique and deepen their understanding of musical forms.

It’s no wonder Kabalevsky was so passionate about music education.

Why not take on the challenge of performing it while enjoying its many expressive colors?

Six Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: No. 1 “On the Lawn of a Summer Morning”Dmitri Kabalevsky11rank/position

Kabalevsky: 6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61; 1…

The Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky left many piano works for children.

Six Preludes and Fugues, Op.

61 is one of them, and the first piece, On the Lawn in a Summer Morning, is characterized by a gentle, poetic mood.

Its structure moves from a calm tempo to a slightly faster one, then returns to the original tempo, conjuring a serene and pleasant summer morning.

Showcasing Kabalevsky’s distinctive musical expressiveness, this piece is highly recommended for children studying the piano and for anyone who wishes to enjoy a beautiful melody.

First WaltzDmitri Kabalevsky12rank/position

“First Waltz” composed by D. Kabalevsky (from Teacher’s Choice: Piano Recital Masterpieces, Vol. 1)

For beginners, the first thing to master is keeping the rhythm with the left hand.

Because you’re not yet used to the basic mechanics, you need to maintain a thoroughly steady rhythm.

Dmitry Kabalevsky’s piece “First Waltz” helps develop exactly that.

It’s in triple meter and the left-hand part is very simple.

If you carefully read the score and get accustomed to it, anyone can play it, so it’s a great piece to start training your left-hand sense of rhythm.

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Easy Variations, Op. 51 No. 3: Variations on a Slovak Folk SongDmitri Kabalevsky13rank/position

4th place at the Kurakon National Competition: Arima Sabetoshi – Kabalevsky: Variations on a Slovak Folk Theme, Op. 51 No. 3 in D minor

Dmitry Kabalevsky, a Russian composer, was also an educator active during the Soviet era who devoted himself to music education for children.

The short piano pieces he left for young performers are still beloved as recital staples today.

The third piece of his Easy Variations, Op.

51, is a set of variations on a Slovak folk song.

Kabalevsky adorns the folk melody’s wistful character with his own clear, distinctive harmonies.

Its structure is striking: after a temporary release from the gloomy main theme that evokes overcast skies, the music ultimately returns to the original tune.

It’s a work recommended not only for children but also for adult pianists.

Etude “30 Pieces for Children, Op. 27” No. 3Dmitri Kabalevsky14rank/position

Kabalevsky: Etude

This compact piece, woven from a simple yet enchanting melody and dynamic rhythms, is one of the celebrated works from “30 Children’s Pieces, Op.

27,” composed between 1937 and 1938 for young players.

The energetic right-hand melody and powerful left-hand chords create a sonority reminiscent of a heart-stirring dance.

While containing technical elements, it is a piano miniature rich in expressive resonance.

Its conservative yet innovative harmonic progressions captivate listeners within a brief performance time.

Ideal for recitals and competitions, its accessible melody—imbued with elements of Russian folk music—will resonate deeply with audiences.