Sergei Rachmaninov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Concerto No. 2, First MovementSergei Rachmaninov64rank/position

01_Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, 1st movement (Piano: Kiyoko Tanaka)

It’s the first movement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.

2.

It was featured in the drama Nodame Cantabile, so many of you may be familiar with it.

It’s a piano concerto performed with orchestra rather than solo piano, and it features Rachmaninoff’s characteristically sweet melodies and beautiful lines.

The harmonic blend with the orchestra is superb, and the sense of “spinning” the sound is particularly captivating.

While the piano part is beautiful, it is, of course, highly challenging.

Many pianists who dream of performing with an orchestra take on this concerto, but beyond technical skill, it’s difficult without an invitation or direction from a conductor and orchestra—so it’s not just about playing; the musical environment also matters.

One of the joys of a concerto is the experience of playing with a conductor, but because you can’t rely solely on your own tempo, there’s also the challenge of coordinating with others.

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Piano Concerto No. 3, Third MovementSergei Rachmaninov65rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3, Ashkenazy & Fistoulari (1963) Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 Ashkenazy

It is one of Rachmaninoff’s signature works, renowned for the high level of technique and musical demands it places on performers.

The piece was composed in the summer at his country estate in Ivanovka, Tambov Oblast.

Listening to it during the same season in which it was written may offer discoveries different from hearing it at other times.

Lilac (A-flat major), Op. 21 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov66rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Lilacs, Op. 21 No. 5, pf. Mikhail Kandinsky

Rachmaninoff’s homeland, Russia, is said to be awash with lilacs blooming everywhere around May each year.

Lush clusters of purple flowers and a sweet fragrance—this piece feels as if it transforms that romantic scene into sound.

Perfect as background music for a happy moment.

Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 13Sergei Rachmaninov67rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 13 – I. Grave – Allegro ma non troppo

Often mentioned as if to be compared with the hugely successful Piano Concerto No.

2, this is a famous piece in its own way.

The scathing reviews at its premiere triggered Rachmaninoff’s descent into a nervous disorder.

While it doesn’t strongly convey Rachmaninoff’s characteristic, wistful romanticism, it does reveal a powerful side of his music.

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27Sergei Rachmaninov68rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Symphony no.2 op.27 – Radio Filharmonisch Orkest – Complete live concert in HD

A symphony that Rachmaninoff premiered with his own conducting at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.

Rather than foregrounding a single distinctive theme, it flows with an incessant interweaving of sounds from various instruments.

Recommended as background music when you want to focus on studying or work.

Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44Sergei Rachmaninov69rank/position

Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44

It is the final work among Rachmaninoff’s symphonies.

There is even an anecdote that two conductors competed for the premiere rights.

Unusually for Rachmaninoff, it features prominently a driving, rhythmic melodic line.

The work leaves an impression of grandeur and power.

Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov70rank/position

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Movement III

A symphony composed by the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff between 1906 and 1907.

This third movement is the most widely known of the four movements, a beautifully lyrical slow movement that is quintessentially Rachmaninoff.

Its flowing, Slavic-tinged melody sings as if imbued with a fleeting sense of longing.

Please enjoy the smooth, sensuous world of Rachmaninoff.

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