Dmitri Shostakovich Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

AcrobatDmitri Shostakovich1rank/position

PTNA 2021 National Finals Competition, Class C No. 66, Gold Prize — Acrobat (Shostakovich)

Dmitri Shostakovich, who left behind many works reflecting the worldview of his native Russia, composed the piano piece “Acrobat,” a work characterized by its comic and lighthearted melody.

To master the catchy, easy-to-remember bouncing pattern in the left hand and the accent-rich right-hand part, solid technique and expressive depth are required.

Seemingly satirizing the anguish of 1937, the year it was composed, this piece presents a new challenge for performers and offers a stimulating experience for listeners as well.

marchDmitri Shostakovich2rank/position

March - Shostakovich (Beginner, Piano Recital) [March / D. Shostakovich]

Dmitri Shostakovich was a composer active in the Soviet Union during the 20th century.

Exceptionally talented both as a pianist and as a composer, Shostakovich firmly established his reputation as one of the greatest classical composers of the 20th century.

This piece is the first number from Children’s Notebook, and it evokes soldiers marching without bending their knees.

Aside from the slurs indicated by the composer, it is desirable to play non-legato; however, since it depicts a soldiers’ march, it should be performed in a way that does not become too light.

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HATSUMI

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Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67Dmitri Shostakovich3rank/position

[Ayana Tsuji, Yuya Okamoto, Kyohei Sorita] Shostakovich: Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67

Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the defining composers of the 20th century.

His Piano Trio No.

2 in E minor, Op.

67, composed in the midst of war, is a work imbued with profound sorrow and fierce emotion.

Dedicated in mourning for a close friend, it expresses both personal loss and the anguish of wartime.

In particular, the final movement incorporates Jewish melodies and is often interpreted as a response to the Holocaust.

Weighty chords, sharp rhythms, and a quiet coda—the inner turmoil of Shostakovich and the upheaval of his era are sublimated into music.

A masterpiece that every classical music fan should hear at least once.

Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57Dmitri Shostakovich4rank/position

Dmitri Shostakovich – Piano Quintet in G minor, Op. 57

The Piano Quintet in G minor, Op.

57, by the great Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich is a masterpiece premiered in 1940.

Comprising five movements, the work is imbued with his characteristic depth of expression and technical finesse.

Through movements such as the Prelude, Fugue, and Scherzo, it offers a rich variety of moods—from quiet yet moving passages to bright, energetic music.

This quintet is also famous for featuring Shostakovich himself at the piano, performing with the Beethoven String Quartet.

It is highly recommended for those who want to savor pure musical artistry.

Song of the ForestDmitri Shostakovich5rank/position

Shostakovich “Song of the Forests” Yevgeny Mravinsky

An oratorio composed in 1949 by the modern Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

It is said to be the most famous and representative of his songs.

It was written to praise the forestry projects of the Soviet Union.

The Soviet authorities demanded music that would be easily understood by the masses, and in line with that, this work—which extolled Stalin—was lavishly praised.

However, because its content differed from Shostakovich’s true feelings, it is said that at the time of the premiere he sat in his hotel room, sobbing and drinking vodka.

Festive OvertureDmitri Shostakovich6rank/position

Shostakovich – Festive Overture in A Major, Op. 96 | Nobel Prize Concert 2009

This is Festive Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich.

Composed in 1954 as an orchestral work, it is also extremely popular in its wind ensemble arrangement and is frequently performed in concerts.

Beginning with a striking trumpet fanfare and featuring the trumpets prominently again in the finale, it is one of Shostakovich’s masterpieces.

24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 in D minorDmitri Shostakovich7rank/position

Shostakovich Prelude Op 34 No 24 (Palsauskaite)

When you hear “24 Preludes,” many of you may think of Frédéric Chopin’s collection of short pieces.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes is said to have been composed with that very work as a reference.

However, including No.

16, the style strongly conveys Shostakovich’s uniquely distinctive atmosphere.

The premiere was given by Shostakovich himself, who had become reluctant to perform after the shock of being eliminated from the Chopin Competition; it is said to have served as the catalyst for his return to the concert stage.

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yuri

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24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: No. 15 in D-flat majorDmitri Shostakovich8rank/position

Shostakovich Prelude & Fugue D flat major op. 87/15 | Keigo Mukawa Queen Elisabeth Competition 2021

Dmitri Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op.

87 is an ambitious work inspired by Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier.

The D-flat major No.

15 is considered one of the most challenging pieces in both technical demands and expressive breadth.

After the tranquil prelude, the fugue pivots to a gripping drama woven from interlacing, complex tone rows.

Throughout the work, one senses Shostakovich’s characteristic depth of introspection and insight; it is a monumental piece best suited to seasoned pianists.

Suite for Two Pianos in F-sharp minor, Op. 6Dmitri Shostakovich9rank/position

Dmitri Shostakovich – Suite for Two Pianos in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 6

The piano suite for two pianos in F-sharp minor, Op.

6, composed by the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich when he was 16, is highly regarded as an early work that showcased his precocious talent.

Technically demanding, the suite consists of four movements—Prelude, Fantastic Dance, Nocturne, and Finale—each brimming with Shostakovich’s distinctive, innovative musicality.

The second movement, in particular, stands out for its rhythmic passages and unique harmonies.

Its sharp contrasts and grotesque elements—hallmarks of his style—are on full display.

This masterpiece is highly recommended for advanced players looking to take on a piano duo challenge!

Three Fantastic Dances, Op. 5Dmitri Shostakovich10rank/position

SHOSTAKOVICH Three Fantastic Dances for Piano (Op. 5) Score

Three Fantastic Dances, Op.

5, composed by Dmitri Shostakovich—one of the great composers of the 20th century—during his student years, is a charming miniature brimming with humor and lightness that fully showcases the young genius’s talent.

The three dances—March, Waltz, and Polka—each display a distinctive character while forming a tightly knit whole.

It’s a quintessential Shostakovich work, marked by youthful drive and richly original musicality.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy learning the piano!