Dmitri Kabalevsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Piano Sonata No. 3 in F major, Op. 46Dmitri Kabalevsky15rank/position

Kabalevsky: Sonata No. 3 in F major, Op. 46, I. Allegro — 39th JPTA Piano Audition, Category B — National Competition Excellence Award and Set Piece Award — Maai Miyawaki (2nd-year junior high)

Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Piano Sonata No.

3 in F major, Op.

46, a masterpiece by the great 20th-century Russian composer, is a work in which his musical talent and command of form are fully realized.

Each of its three movements possesses its own distinctive charm and emotional expression.

The first movement, while showing the influence of Prokofiev, brims with vitality and clearly conveys Kabalevsky’s unique musical identity.

The second movement unfolds a calm, lyrically songful world, and the third returns to energetic, animated music.

Incorporating elements of Russian folk song and exuding an accessible yet patriotic atmosphere, this is a piece every pianist should experience at least once.

Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major, Op. 50Dmitri Kabalevsky16rank/position

[2023—Special Recommendation—1] Kabalevsky: Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major, Op. 50 — 1st movement, Masao Haseo (Pf)

The Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky was also an educator who left behind many piano pieces for children.

His Piano Concerto No.

3 in D major, Op.

50 is an impressive work written with young performers in mind, notable for its bright, melodic character.

The concerto consists of three movements: the first features a dramatic development that begins with a trumpet fanfare; the second is an andante in a solemn style; and the finale is a presto brimming with a sense of drive—each movement offering its own distinct appeal.

While not especially demanding technically, the youthful ardor that permeates the piece is sure to inspire students and young performers.

It is a fine work in which Kabalevsky’s characteristic educational considerations are seamlessly fused with artistic merit.

Piano Concerto No. 4 “Prague,” Op. 99Dmitri Kabalevsky17rank/position

Kapelis: Kabalevsky Piano Concerto No. 4 (“Prague”), complete

Composed in 1975 by Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky, the Piano Concerto No.

4 “Prague,” Op.

99, is an ambitious work that reflects the political and social backdrop of the Soviet era while also showcasing the composer’s distinctive style.

It consists of three movements: a lively, fast-tempo first movement; a gentle, emotionally charged second movement with improvisatory elements; and a bright, energetic finale—altogether providing ample scope for the performer’s expressiveness.

Known as an homage to the city of Prague, which Kabalevsky greatly admired, the piece features Czech folk rhythms throughout.

It’s a must-listen not only for lovers of classical music, but also for those interested in the culture and history of Russia and Eastern Europe.

Rondo, Op. 59Dmitri Kabalevsky18rank/position

Dmitri Kabalevsky – Rondo Op. 59 (audio + sheet music)

Rondo, Op.

59 by the Russian composer Dmitry Kabalevsky.

A master of piano music for children, he composed this ambitious work specifically for the inaugural Tchaikovsky International Competition in 1958.

The piece is marked by fierce passion, dazzling presto passages, a beautiful melody, and rich harmony.

It unfolds in sonata-rondo form and is sprinkled with Russian rhetorical elements tinged with pathos.

Through this work, one can sense the composer’s intention to showcase the technical brilliance and expressive depth of Russian pianists.

The performance by the young Van Cliburn, who won the Grand Prix, is a must-hear!

30 Children’s Pieces: Toccatina, Op. 27 No. 12Dmitri Kabalevsky19rank/position

[Recommended for piano recitals] Toccatina ♫ Kabalevsky / Toccatina Op. 27 No. 12, Kabalevsky

Dmitry Kabalevsky, a Russian composer who left numerous piano pieces for children and books on music education, wrote 30 Pieces for Children, Op.

27.

The Toccatina, included as the 12th piece in this richly characterful collection, is a crisp and rhythmic work.

A “toccatina” is a small, improvisatory piece.

This work stands out for its improvisatory lightness, and it calls for clear contrasts by distinctly articulating slurs and staccatos.

Enjoy performing it while savoring Kabalevsky’s characteristic folk-inspired rhythms.

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yuri

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6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in G Major, “A Summer Morning On The Lawn”Dmitri Kabalevsky20rank/position

6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in G Major, “A Summer Morning On The Lawn”

Dmitry Kabalevsky was a Russian pianist and composer who left many outstanding works and passed away in 1987.

You might recognize him as the composer of “Galop” from The Comedians, a piece often played as background music at school sports festivals.

The work mentioned here was composed between 1958 and 1959; its form is a prelude and fugue, but each piece bears a title related to landscapes, making it a collection that invites listeners to imagine beautiful scenery.

If you play the piano, you may find it enjoyable to give it a try.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Sonatina No. 2, Op. 13-2Dmitri Kabalevsky21rank/position

7th-HMF Kabalevsky: Sonatina Op. 13, No. 2, 1st movement

Dmitry Kabalevsky, a Soviet composer, was a master who left behind numerous piano works for children.

His Sonatina No.

2 is one of his signature pieces—a solo piano work in three movements.

It is characterized by its minor key and the distinctive structure of a sonatina, and it conveys a darkness and militaristic quality typical of Russian music.

At the same time, it retains a child-friendly accessibility, making it an excellent teaching piece that promotes the technical development of piano learners.

It is a work I would recommend to anyone studying the piano.