Rachmaninoff’s music is grand and weighty, yet his transparent melodies—never overly heavy—resonate with many listeners.
Born and raised in Russia, he had his talent recognized and nurtured by Tchaikovsky.
Here, we’ve ranked his works by popularity.
Immerse yourself in Rachmaninoff’s world!
Sergei Rachmaninov Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Fantasy Pieces, Op. 3 No. 2: Prelude “The Bell”Sergei Rachmaninov1rank/position
Piano 300th Anniversary — Hironao Suzuki: Rachmaninoff / Prelude “The Bells”
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s celebrated piece Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op.
3, No.
2 (from Morceaux de fantaisie), became widely known beyond classical music fans after figure skater Mao Asada used it for her free program in the 2009–2010 season.
Many listeners were surely captivated by its beautiful melody, which conveys profound sorrow and anguish with a sparing number of notes.
The contrast between the opening, shrouded in deep darkness, and the middle section, which, though in a minor key, brims with vitality, is one of the elements that creates its dramatic impression.
Rather than merely varying dynamics, it’s important to vividly imagine infusing the tone color with emotion, aiming for a performance with real depth.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Rachmaninov2rank/position
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini – from Variation 18, Pianist Yuki Kondo
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.
43 is a work composed in the form of a piano concerto.
Completed by Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1934, it premiered on November 7 of the same year.
Based on the theme of No.
24 from Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices, it unfolds in 24 variations.
Among them, the 18th variation is especially popular for its graceful and captivating melody and harmony, and it is frequently performed as a piano solo as well.
Aim to play it gently yet romantically, consciously bringing out the melodic line within the chords.
14, was originally composed as a song, but its beautiful melody pairs wonderfully with instruments that have a gentle tone, and it is performed on a variety of instruments such as piano and violin.
It is cherished as a piece for flute as well, yet the impression it makes on the piano is no less extraordinary.
The wistful melody intertwines with the piano’s rich resonance, striking listeners to the core.
With a performance that emphasizes expressiveness, you’ll feel a different kind of emotion from the flute’s elegance—equally moving in its own way.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18Sergei Rachmaninov5rank/position
Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Rachmaninoff) Ayumi Yokouchi
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.
43 is a work composed in the form of a piano concerto.
Based on the theme of No.
24 from Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices—Paganini being hailed as the “legendary violinist” for his transcendental virtuosity—it unfolds across 24 variations.
Among them, the 18th variation is especially popular, captivating many with its graceful and alluring melody and harmonies.
Aim to bring out the melodic line within the chords, and perform it gently yet romantically.
13 Preludes, Op. 32 No. 5 in G majorSergei Rachmaninov7rank/position
Rachmaninoff: Preludes, Op. 32 No. 5 in G major, Piano — Mikhail Kandinsky
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s set of 13 Preludes, Op.
32, completed in 1910, is said to have been composed in a short span during a calmer period, despite his extremely demanding performance schedule.
No.
5 in G major is a delicate piece in which a gentle melody overlays a left-hand accompaniment that, though in a major key, imparts a certain sense of instability.
When practicing, focus on sound quality: align the evenness of the long trills and the quick-moving passages so that every note speaks clearly without any muddiness.
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