Dmitri Shostakovich Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 35Dmitri Shostakovich15rank/position

Daniil Trifonov – Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor

Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the defining symphonic composers of the 20th century, wrote the Piano Concerto No.

1.

Featuring a unique instrumentation that gives the trumpet a starring role, it’s a piece brimming with humor.

Baroque-style passages coexist with modern elements, unfolding like a sequence of cinematic scenes.

The interplay between piano and trumpet is almost like a comedy film! It’s a work full of fresh surprises that listeners from beginners to seasoned aficionados should hear at least once.

Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102Dmitri Shostakovich16rank/position

Yuja Wang: Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102(Carnegie Hall, 2021)

Piano Concerto No.

2 in F major, Op.

102, composed by Dmitri Shostakovich—celebrated as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century—was presented as a gift to his son Maxim on his 19th birthday, and received its premiere at Maxim’s graduation recital at the Moscow Conservatory.

Radiating a bright, unrestrained atmosphere, this concerto stands apart from much of Shostakovich’s other output as a work filled with joy.

In particular, the second movement’s beautifully expressive melody profoundly moves listeners.

Composed with paternal affection, this masterpiece showcases Shostakovich’s musical genius and sense of humor, making it a truly rewarding piece to hear.

Waltz No. 2 (Second Waltz)Dmitri Shostakovich17rank/position

Waltz No. 2 – Shostakovich (Melissa Pianist)

An orchestral piece composed by the eminent Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

Premiered in Moscow on November 28, 1938, it is a waltz in 3/4 time primarily in C minor and E-flat major.

Its distinctive orchestration features an alto saxophone carrying the main melody, supported by brass and strings weaving refined harmonies.

The result is a captivating work that, while light and sprightly, exudes a subtle sense of unease.

Also known for its use in the film “Eyes Wide Shut,” the piece is frequently performed as a solo piano work by many pianists.

It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a piece that will make a strong impression at a recital.

Symphony No. 8 in C minorDmitri Shostakovich18rank/position

Shostakovich – Symphony No. 8 (Score)

Dmitri Shostakovich, renowned for his symphonies and string quartets, was a composer active in the Soviet Union during the 20th century.

His Symphony No.

8 in C minor was composed during the war; he aimed to depict hope for the postwar period, but exposure to tragic reports and news also influenced the work, giving it a tragic character.

The piece shows the influence of Bach and late Beethoven, and rather than layering multiple instrumental timbres, it emphasizes primary-color orchestration.

The interwoven tones of the woodwinds and brass evoke a poignant atmosphere while remaining powerful and cool.

Although many of his works focus on themes of war and revolution from the socialist era, his music captivated people across a wide range of genres, including the Jazz Suites and the Symphony No.

9.

Be sure to give his works a listen!

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Doll’s DanceDmitri Shostakovich19rank/position

Dmitri Shostakovich – Dances of the Dolls (UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY TRIBUTE)

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Dolls’ Dances is an approachable collection of short pieces compiled from excerpts of his ballet music and other works.

Each piece is set to a lively rhythm that puts listeners in a cheerful mood.

In particular, numbers like the Polka and the Waltz-Scherzo stand out for their humor.

The composer’s characteristically rich harmonic language also makes this an ideal resource for beginner to intermediate students to learn musical expression.

It’s a volume that lets you fully savor the joy of music.

String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110Dmitri Shostakovich20rank/position

Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8, Borodin Quartet (1978)

Dmitri Shostakovich, a leading Russian pianist and composer, is also known for his String Quartet No.

8 in C minor, Op.

110, which he is said to have completed in just three days.

Written against the backdrop of Russia’s unstable situation and oppressive regime in 1960, the piece conveys anger, sorrow, and despair through its somber melodies.

It is said that Shostakovich shed tears after performing the work.

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Funeral March in Memory of the Victims of the RevolutionDmitri Shostakovich21rank/position

Shostakovich – “Funeral March in Memory of the Victims of the Revolution” (1918) for piano

One of the defining composers of the 20th century, Dmitri Shostakovich, wrote an early work titled Funeral March in Memory of the Victims of the Revolution.

Composed as a tribute to two ministers assassinated during the Russian Revolution, the piece already displays his characteristic weighty musical language.

Its melodies, steeped in profound sorrow and anger, convey the feelings of a composer who lived through turbulent times.

Although technically relatively accessible, it is a challenging piece to understand and express musically.

Highly recommended for those interested in modern Russian history and the composer’s life.