Sergei Rachmaninov Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Salon Pieces Op. 10 No. 4: MelodySergei Rachmaninov22rank/position

Salon Pieces, Op. 10: No. 4, Melody

Comprising seven pieces that emphasize cohesion and elegance over flamboyance, the Salon Pieces, Op.

10 features a particularly memorable No.

4, “Melody,” with its air of wistful melancholy.

Although the tempo is relaxed, the piece includes a more animated middle section, allowing you to enjoy clear expressive contrasts within a calm overall character.

Aim to play the poignant melody—woven over the left hand’s arpeggios—smoothly and with ample cantabile, thereby highlighting the contrast with the more active middle passage.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C major, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov23rank/position

Piano Concerto No. 2 (Rachmaninoff)

Composed by Russia’s celebrated composer Rachmaninoff, this piece is a famous work that premiered in 1901.

Rachmaninoff began playing the piano at the age of four and studied at the Moscow Conservatory.

This composition is a monumental work that helped the composer break out of a long creative slump.

It is characterized by passionate, lush melodies, with an impressive dialogue between the piano and the orchestra.

It has been loved by many, appearing in films such as A Lonely Night.

It’s recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for fans of film scores.

Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos “Tarantella”Sergei Rachmaninov24rank/position

Rachmaninov’s Suite no. 2 in C minor for Two Pianos, op. 17, IV. Tarantelle: Presto

It’s a cool yet passionate piece that combines strength and richness while constantly shimmering with Rachmaninoff’s signature sparkle.

You’ll be captivated from the very beginning.

After the failed premiere of his Symphony No.

1, Rachmaninoff fell into a slump and went through a period where he couldn’t compose.

This piece dates from the time when he was beginning to recover.

Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39Sergei Rachmaninov25rank/position

Rachmaninov’s Études-tableaux, Op 39, played by Boris Giltburg

One of the works the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff undertook just before leaving his homeland is a set of nine piano pieces.

Composed between 1916 and 1917, they were conceived not as conventional études but as “pictures in sound” that depict scenes and narratives.

There are two sets, Op.

33 and Op.

39, and the Op.

39 set presented here is said to be more demanding both technically and musically.

Each piece contains its own distinctive mood and technical challenges, with Nos.

1, 3, 5, 6, and 9 often cited as especially difficult.

Beyond their difficulty as études, their allure lies in how, true to the idea of “sound pictures,” they evoke imagery reminiscent of paintings.

From “Fantasy Miniatures,” No. 1: ElegySergei Rachmaninov26rank/position

Rachmaninoff / from Morceaux de fantaisie, No. 1 Elegie, Op. 3-1 / Performed by Hironao Suzuki

Sergei Rachmaninoff, the world-renowned composer and pianist born in Russia, wrote many works whose melodies are not only beautiful but steeped in sorrow.

There are countless Rachmaninoff pieces suitable for introduction in this article, but the one featured here is the first piece, “Élégie,” from his 1892 solo piano set Morceaux de fantaisie.

While the second piece, “Prelude,” may be more famous, the beauty and poignancy of the melody in “Élégie” are equally remarkable.

Centered on left-hand arpeggiated figures, the music unfolds with a flowing, melancholic grace that is truly gorgeous.

To think that Rachmaninoff completed such a work at the young age of 19—his talent can only be described as astonishing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Variation 18 from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and OrchestraSergei Rachmaninov27rank/position

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – Variation 18 “Yutaka Sado × Kyohei Sorita” with the Japan National Orchestra (Tour Rehearsal)

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, composed in 1934, stands out among his often demanding works for its eighteenth variation, renowned for its graceful beauty that suits a moving graduation scene.

The melody in D-flat major has continued to captivate many, and the piece’s warm sonority resonates gently with the heart.

Rachmaninoff’s own performance is especially moving, and ever since its premiere in 1934 it has held listeners spellbound.

Children, too, are sure to be touched when they hear this beautiful melody.

Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40Sergei Rachmaninov28rank/position

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4 op.40 in G minor

It’s not as well known as his Piano Concertos No.

2 or 3, but it’s said to be one of the few pieces Rachmaninoff wrote after emigrating to America.

The progression of chords and the sparkling notes are, as always, Rachmaninoff’s strong suit.