Dmitri Kabalevsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Sonatina Op. 13-1, First MovementDmitri Kabalevsky1rank/position

[Recommended for piano recitals] Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, 1st movement ♪ Kabalevsky / Sonatina Op. 13 No. 1, Movement 1, Kabalevsky

Composed in 1930, Kabalevsky’s Sonatina Op.

13 No.

1 reflects his strong commitment to music education for children.

Its first movement is characterized by brilliant chords and a gentle second theme.

Based on sonata form, it is technically relatively accessible while being well-suited for cultivating musicality.

The opening should be played with strength and tension, and it’s important to highlight the contrast with the sorrowful, song-like passage starting at measure 32.

Although a fast tempo and a strong forte are required, the piece includes key elements essential to understanding Kabalevsky’s musical style.

It’s also a highly recommended choice to work on through competitions.

Galop of the ClownsDmitri Kabalevsky2rank/position

Galop of the Clowns

Composed by Dmitry Kabalevsky, this piece is characterized by its cheerful and dynamic melody.

The rhythmic music vividly evokes the lively antics of clowns and energizes listeners.

Arranged by Kabalevsky himself in 1940 as part of a concert suite, it has become a staple at school sports days.

Of course, it’s also perfect as background music for the cavalry battle event.

Let’s use its spirited tempo to boost everyone’s enthusiasm for the competition!

knightDmitri Kabalevsky3rank/position

[Piano Recital Recommendation] Rider ♪ Kabalevsky / Rider, Kabalevsky

The Knight by the Russian composer Dmitry Borisovich Kabalevsky, who left behind many works for children, is a crisp and cool piece that evokes the brave figure of a knight! The piece is divided into three parts: at first the melody is in the left hand, in the middle section it moves to the right hand, and then it returns to the left hand for the finale.

Beginner piano scores often fix the roles as “melody in the right hand, accompaniment in the left,” so it’s a great idea to boldly choose a piece for your recital in which both hands take the lead!

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yuri

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Sonatina in A minor, Op. 27 No. 18Dmitri Kabalevsky4rank/position

Con Brio Exam (CBE) Grade 3 Kabalevsky Op.27 No.18 Sonatina Sheet Music

From its powerful main theme to the lyrical middle section, this miniature distills the essence of music into about one minute.

Composed in 1938 by Dmitry Kabalevsky, it opens with a sonorous A minor and unfolds a succession of richly expressive melodies.

Marked by clear rhythm and tonality, it moves listeners deeply without relying on flashy virtuosity.

For performance, the key point is to present the rhythmic opening theme with firm clarity.

In the middle section, a gentler expressiveness is required.

It’s an ideal piece for those who want to hone storytelling through music or make a strong impact with a short work.

Seven Cheerful Variations on a Ukrainian Folk SongDmitri Kabalevsky5rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Seven Good-Humoured Variations on a Ukrainian Folksong ♪ Kabalevsky / Seven Good-Humoured Variations on a Ukrainian Folksong

Seven Cheerful Variations on a Ukrainian Folk Song by Dmitry Kabalevsky—renowned for his wide array of children’s piano pieces—is a captivating work that showcases the charm of Ukrainian folk music.

Each variation has its own distinct character, helping not only to develop technical skills but also to expand expressive range.

The lively sixth variation and the passionate coda are particularly effective in performance.

Among Kabalevsky’s works, this piece is not often chosen for recitals, making it an excellent recommendation for children who want to play something impactful and unique rather than a standard piece that others might also pick.

Four Rondos, Op. 60: No. 4 “Toccata”Dmitri Kabalevsky6rank/position

Dmitry Kabalevsky – Rondo-Toccata Op. 60 No. 4 (audio + sheet music)

Dmitry Kabalevsky was a composer who left behind a large number of piano pieces for children.

He was passionate about music education for young people and hoped they would learn to understand how to view the world through music.

One of his works, the fourth piece “Toccata” from Four Rondos, Op.

60, composed in 1958, is a lively piece distinguished by its bright, powerful rhythms and melodies.

It makes extensive use of repeated sections and demands fast fingerwork and precise rhythm from the performer.

Considered highly valuable from an educational standpoint, it has been incorporated into many piano education curricula.

It is a piece that lets performers enjoy technical challenges while savoring Kabalevsky’s musical expression.

gallopDmitri Kabalevsky7rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Gallop ♫ Kabalevsky / Gallop Op. 39-18, Kabalevsky

Dmitry Kabalevsky was a Russian composer and pianist.

He wrote many works for children, yet he is widely recognized as a composer of consistently excellent pieces.

“Gallop” means “a horse’s canter” and refers to a rapid, light dance that became popular in the mid-19th century.

The forward-driving tempo and the steady left-hand pulses make it sound as if a horse is running and its hooves are clattering.

The leaps in the right-hand melody are especially striking.

Perform with plenty of contrast so that the difference in dynamics between the opening and the middle section is clearly felt.

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HATSUMI

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