Sergei Prokofiev Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Ballet music ‘Romeo and Juliet’Sergei Prokofiev29rank/position

Prokofiev-Romeo and Juliet

It’s the ballet music from that famous love story.

As artistic censorship tightened within the Soviet Union, staging the ballet’s premiere proved difficult.

So this piece was created with the idea of “at least releasing the music.” Even just listening to it, scenes of Romeo and Juliet’s romance seem to come to life, don’t they?

Death of Tybalt from the ballet Romeo and JulietSergei Prokofiev30rank/position

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra – Romeo and Juliet

From among the masterful ballet scores by one of the defining composers of the 20th century, Sergei Prokofiev, we present a track brimming with tension.

Based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, this piece depicts a fierce duel scene.

With deft use of driving rhythms and dissonance, it portrays the clash between Tybalt and Mercutio and the tragic events that follow.

Showcasing Prokofiev’s innovative musical language to the fullest, this work is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for fans of film and video game music.

Since its premiere in Czechoslovakia in December 1938, this celebrated piece has continued to captivate listeners—please give it a listen.

Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 1Sergei Prokofiev31rank/position

Prokofiev Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor Op. 1 Score

Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No.

1 in F minor, Op.

1, composed when the Russian composer was just sixteen, is an ambitious work that showcases the brilliance of his youthful talent and hints at the innovative style to come.

Characterized by bold, powerful passages, the piece fully displays Prokofiev’s own pianistic prowess.

Here one can already find the adventurous harmonies and rhythms, as well as the distinctive melodies, that would mark his later works.

Highly recommended for all fans of piano music who wish to experience the passionate music of the young Prokofiev.

Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82 “War Sonata”Sergei Prokofiev32rank/position

Yukine Kuroki / Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82 “War Sonata” (2019 PTNA Competition, Special Grade Semifinal) Prokofiev – Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 82

Composed in 1940 by Sergei Prokofiev, a leading Russian composer of the 20th century, this piano sonata is a masterpiece born amid the turmoil of World War II.

Nicknamed the “War Sonata,” it is characterized by alternating passages of fierce, anger-filled intensity and flowing lyricism.

Consisting of four movements that vividly reflect the composer’s state of mind during the war, each movement incorporates distinct musical features.

While its scale and structural complexity make it a work for advanced players, it offers an encounter with the profound emotions of a composer who lived through a difficult era of war.

Piano Sonata No. 6 “War Sonata,” Fourth MovementSergei Prokofiev33rank/position

Prokofiev / Piano Sonata No. 6 “War Sonata,” Movement 4 / Performed by Miki Narai

This work was composed after Prokofiev, who had been living in the United States and Paris, returned to the Soviet Union, during what can be considered the mature period of his creative activity.

Because it was written during World War II, it is known as a “War Sonata.” It is a commanding piece that simultaneously demands advanced technique from the performer and brilliantly combines dynamic power that leaves a strong impression with beautiful lyricism.

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HATSUMI

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Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83, Movement IIISergei Prokofiev34rank/position

Prokofiev / Piano Sonata No. 7, War Sonata, 3rd movement, Op. 83 / Shohei Sekimoto

The third movement of Sergey Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No.

7 in B-flat major, Op.

83, one of his most famous piano sonatas.

Reflecting its wartime theme, the piece exudes an incessantly restless atmosphere.

The performance itself is extremely demanding: while playing lightly with staccato, the pianist must still maintain a powerful character.

Above all, the work’s defining feature is its 7/8 meter.

This unusual time signature is seldom heard even in contemporary music, so it may take some effort to get comfortable with the rhythm.

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Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16Sergei Prokofiev35rank/position

Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor / Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev, a composer who epitomizes the 20th century in Russia.

He was a composer with a gift for creating everything from unconventional, boundary-pushing works to classical, formally traditional pieces, and he also boasted exceptional skill at the piano.

Among his works, one piece renowned for its overwhelming difficulty is the Piano Concerto No.

2 in G minor.

It demands extraordinarily ferocious leaps and immense stamina, and it’s said that even professional pianists cannot play it with ease without a significant amount of practice.

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Ryo

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