Sergei Rachmaninov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30Sergei Rachmaninov15rank/position

Yunchan Lim 임윤찬 – RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, op. 30

Composed by Rachmaninoff in 1909, the Piano Concerto No.

3 is renowned for the extreme technical difficulty and musical demands it places on the performer.

Its duration is about 40 minutes.

Although it is a concerto, the piano plays almost continuously, and the sheer number of notes requires considerable stamina.

Yet it is not merely difficult; it is also a celebrated masterpiece, among the most popular of all piano concertos.

In the first movement’s cadenza, there are two versions; while they do not differ in difficulty, the so‑called “big cadenza” strikes me as the most grand and passionate among cadenzas found in concertos.

Comparing the different cadenzas chosen by performers may be one of this work’s great pleasures.

The first movement develops a single theme in various forms; the second moves from a poignant introduction toward increasing brightness; and the third brims with lively, folk-like Russian character.

In each, one can sense Rachmaninoff’s characteristic beauty, sonorous weight, and monumental architecture—a true masterpiece.

Etude-Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 2 in A minor “The Sea and the Seagull”Sergei Rachmaninov16rank/position

Rachmaninov: Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39 No. 2 in A minor [The Sea and the Seagulls] [Naxos Classical Curation #Melancholic] / Rachmaninov: Etudes-tableaux, Op. 39-2

Let me introduce a piano piece that sinks deeply into the heart—perfect for summer.

It’s one of the Études-Tableaux Sergei Rachmaninoff composed between 1916 and 1917.

There is also an orchestral version, and it’s well known for the evocative subtitle “The Sea and the Seagulls,” given by Respighi.

Its desolate melody seems to paint gray skies and sea, along with the figure of a solitary seagull.

In the middle section, the music suddenly turns passionate, sure to stir the listener’s emotions.

It’s an ideal piece not only for a sense of coolness, but for those who want to feel a deep story and vivid imagery.

On a summer’s day, why not take your time savoring this dramatic tone painting?

Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 – Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov17rank/position

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, 3rd Movement (Symphony No. 2 3rd movement / Sergei Rachmaninov Rachmaninoff Piano ver) #piano #pf

Premiered in 1908 under Rachmaninoff’s own baton, this work inherits the traditions of the Russian Romantic school while weaving uniquely beautiful melodies that leave a strong impression.

Though best known for his piano concertos, the composer also displayed exceptional talent in the symphonic realm.

The melody of the third movement is especially popular—so much so that solo piano arrangements have been published.

Part of the appeal is the enjoyment of expressing the orchestra’s grand sonorities on a single piano.

It is a highly recommended piece for anyone wishing to experience the profound depth of classical music.

Piano Concerto No. 2Sergei Rachmaninov18rank/position

Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No.2, I. Moderato

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.

2 is hailed not only as the most beautiful of his piano concertos, but as one of the most beautiful among piano concertos of any era.

Following the opening chords that evoke the bells of the Russian Orthodox Church comes a succession of fiercely surging arpeggios—truly breathtaking! Moreover, because some of the chords were written to suit Rachmaninoff’s own large hands, it is impossible to play all the notes at once unless you have an exceptionally wide reach, making arpeggiation unavoidable in certain passages.

It can be fascinating to notice how different pianists choose to voice and execute these chords.

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Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Movement ISergei Rachmaninov19rank/position

Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement I (Rachmaninoff) Piano performance: Chiharu Sudo [from “Exquisite Piano ALL THE BEST / Exquisite Piano 2018 Spring-Summer Edition”]

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s signature concerto, Piano Concerto No.

2 in C minor, Op.

18, is frequently heard in many contexts, such as figure skating programs and as background music in TV shows and films.

Although it is known as an extremely difficult work, its popularity has led to many published arrangements, so by choosing a score that suits you, even beginner and intermediate pianists can try it with ease.

In the first movement, the opening section can be performed as written in the original! Enjoy playing it as if you were performing with an orchestra.

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Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 – II. Andante (Second Movement)Sergei Rachmaninov20rank/position

Piano Concerto No. 2, Second Movement / Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.

2 in C minor, Op.

18 is the work that brought him widespread recognition as a concerto composer.

In contrast to the vigorous first movement, the second movement is striking for its serene, prayer-like, and sublime atmosphere, and even the piano part alone offers an enchanting beauty.

Although Rachmaninoff did not leave a solo piano version, various arrangements have been published.

Choose one that suits your level, and enjoy playing the smoothly flowing melodies and the characteristically Rachmaninoffian harmonic shifts.

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Pictorial Études ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ Op. 33 No. 1 in F minorSergei Rachmaninov21rank/position

Rachmaninoff: 8 Etudes-Tableaux Op.33 (Lugansky, Ashkenazy, Sofronitsky)

Etudes-Tableaux is a collection of 18 solo piano pieces in two volumes.

Composed in 1911, Op.

33 is known as a set of etudes requiring transcendental technique, though No.

1 is considered relatively less difficult.

It contains phrases reminiscent of Chopin’s Etude Op.

25 No.

4, and Sergei Rachmaninoff himself jokingly remarked that he composed it while listening to Chopin.

It’s quite a challenging piece, but let’s enjoy practicing it while comparing it with Chopin’s work.

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