Sergei Rachmaninov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Trio of Sorrow No. 1 (G minor)Sergei Rachmaninov85rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Piano Trio No. 1 (Trio élégiaque) Pf. Masayo Miwa

A trio consisting of piano, violin, and cello.

While the violin and cello carry much of the main melody, the sparkling piano in the background also has a strong presence.

It may not be as flashy as an orchestra, but the interplay of the three instruments is even more enjoyable when accompanied by visuals, not just the sound.

Trio of Sorrow No. 2 in D minor, Op. 9Sergei Rachmaninov86rank/position

Rachmaninov – Trio élégiaque n°2 op.9 – Kogan / Luzanov / Svetlanov

A piece composed in just over a month following the news of Tchaikovsky’s death.

It begins in a strict and solemn manner, but gradually the violin’s heartrending melody resonates as if expressing rising emotions.

The violin’s sense of urgency even sounds like memories of the lost person are racing through one’s mind.

Oriental Sketch in B-flat majorSergei Rachmaninov87rank/position

Arcadi Volodos – Oriental Sketch Rachmaninoff

This is a short piece composed in 1917, amid the unfolding Russian Revolution, alongside Prelude in D minor and Fragments.

It was originally untitled, but later took its name from the composer’s own description, “Oriental Sketch.” Lasting just under two minutes, it is characterized by a flowing yet fiercely restless melody.

Moments Musicaux, Op. 16Sergei Rachmaninov88rank/position

2016 PTNA Special Class Semifinal: Naoto Sugimoto / Rachmaninoff: Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 (Complete)

A sharp-edged piece where fiercely driving melodies and gently lyrical lines take turns emerging.

A few months before this work was completed, the composer reportedly suffered the misfortune of having their money stolen on a train they happened to board.

They said it was quite difficult being short on funds, yet the piece is so polished that it betrays not the slightest hint of inner turmoil.

Moments musicaux, Op. 16 No. 5Sergei Rachmaninov89rank/position

Rachmaninoff: 6 Moments musicaux, Op. 16: No. 5 in D flat, Adagio sostenuto

“Moments Musicaux,” composed in 1896 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, a Russian-born master of Romanticism.

Consisting of six pieces, this fifth piece is a lyrical work played at a gentle tempo.

Rachmaninoff began piano at age four, studied at the Moscow Conservatory, and excelled not only as a pianist but also as a composer and conductor.

This work is a gem crafted amid his financial hardships.

Its beautiful melody in D-flat major evokes a dreamlike, nocturne-like atmosphere.

A moving masterpiece recommended for those who wish to savor the piano’s timbral beauty.

Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minorSergei Rachmaninov90rank/position

Rachmaninoff / Moments Musicaux No. 4 in E minor, Op. 16 / Performed by Kyoko Kaise

Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer.

Also a pianist, he composed Moments Musicaux in 1896, which includes pieces Nos.

1 through 6; this work is the fourth of the set.

It combines intensity with melancholy and demands formidable virtuosity.

Piano performance by Kyoko Kaise.

Island of DeathSergei Rachmaninov91rank/position

Sergei Rachmaninov – The Isle Of The Dead

It is a symphonic poem composed by Rachmaninoff in 1909 after he saw the copperplate engraving of the same title by Max Klinger.

The original work on which the engraving was based is an oil painting by the Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin.

Later, upon seeing the oil painting, Rachmaninoff was surprised by its unexpectedly bright color palette and remarked, “If I had seen this, I would not have written that piece.”