Sergei Prokofiev Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67Sergei Prokofiev36rank/position

S. Prokofiev – Peter and the Wolf – 1 piano 4 hands

An orchestral work composed in 1936 by Sergei Prokofiev, one of the representative composers of the 20th century.

Written with an educational intent to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra, the piece is characterized by its unique method of depicting characters and animals with different instruments.

The story of the boy Peter and the animals’ adventures blends narration and music beautifully, captivating audiences of all ages.

Each character’s personality is conveyed through instruments—such as the bird portrayed by the flute, the duck by the oboe, and the wolf by the horn.

Even when playing it as a piano duet, it’s ideal to approach it as a single narrative while evoking the qualities of each instrument.

Flute Sonata in D major, Op. 94Sergei Prokofiev37rank/position

S. Prokofiev: Sonata for flute and piano op. 94 – Emmanuel Pahud (recording 1992)

It is the Flute Sonata in D major, Op.

94, composed by the Russian composer, pianist, and conductor Sergei Prokofiev.

The piece was written between 1942 and 1943.

It consists of four movements: I.

Moderato, II.

Scherzo, III.

Andante, and IV.

Allegro con brio.

There is also Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No.

2 in D major, Op.

94bis, which is an arrangement of the Flute Sonata in D major, Op.

94.

Waltz, Op. 65 No. 6Sergei Prokofiev38rank/position

Prokofiev. Music for children Op.65. Piano. 6. Valse

The sixth piece from the collection of 12 miniatures, Music for Children.

Around 1935, when this piece was composed, the Soviet Communist Party demanded that artists produce works that were clear and accessible, while also encouraging the creation of “artistically excellent works” for children.

In an environment where works that deviated from these expectations were harshly criticized, Prokofiev assembled a set of small pieces with classical, easily graspable folk-like ideas, while peppering them with musical elements characteristic of his own style.

In this piece, over an accompaniment that beats out a cheerful waltz rhythm, a melody marked by leaping intervals unfolds as if whirling into dance.

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Guardians of PeaceSergei Prokofiev39rank/position

ON GUARD FOR PEACE – Sergei Prokofiev

This is an oratorio composed in 1948, late in life and from his sickbed, by Sergei Prokofiev, one of Russia’s leading composers.

Having witnessed the horrors of war, Prokofiev set a libretto themed on averting war and safeguarding peace.

A children’s chorus appears throughout, and its hopeful sonority has led many to regard the work as a moving appeal for the preciousness of peace.

While oratorios often take on religious subjects such as the Resurrection of Christ, there are also non-religious examples, such as “Nagasaki” by the German-Jewish composer Alfred Garrievich Schnittke.

Both works pray for peace and depict the tragedy of war, making them unusual within the oratorio genre, but they are pieces I strongly encourage you to hear.

Ephemeral Phantasm, Op. 22 No. 1Sergei Prokofiev40rank/position

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / Jr. G Class Gold Prize: Akito Tani — Prokofiev, From “Visions Fugitives,” Op. 22: Nos. 1, 4, 6, 8, 14, 17

Sergei Prokofiev, known for his innovative style, composed the suite Visions Fugitives, Op.

22—twenty short pieces for piano—between 1915 and 1917.

Inspired by the poetry of the Russian Symbolist Konstantin Balmont, each miniature conveys its own distinctive mood and emotion.

In this work, Prokofiev explores a fusion of modernity and classical form, offering a wealth of musical expression: characteristically sharp dissonances, compelling rhythmic ingenuity, and a palette of colors reminiscent of Impressionism.

It is a collection that showcases the concentrated beauty unique to piano miniatures.

Peter and the WolfSergei Prokofiev41rank/position

"Peter and the Wolf" Narration: Yuki Okazaki

Known in Japan under the title “Peter and the Wolf,” this work is a musical piece composed for children by the Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev.

It combines narration with a small orchestra, with each animal in the story represented by a specific instrument.

In Japan, various narrators have performed it, and sometimes a uniquely Japanese narration is added that differs from the original version.

Many people likely remember hearing it in their childhood.

In 1946, the Walt Disney Company produced an animated film based on the piece.

If you have young children at home, why not spend an autumn becoming familiar with classical music through this work?

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Romeo and Juliet Suites No. 1 and No. 2Sergei Prokofiev42rank/position

Prokofiev “Romeo and Juliet” Suite｜Gergiev

This is ballet music composed by Sergei Prokofiev, one of the foremost Russian composers of the 20th century.

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it was written in 1935.

The orchestral suites, compiled by Prokofiev himself, extract striking scenes from the full ballet and arrange them for concert performance.

Each movement portrays moments in the story or its characters, conveying scenes and emotions through music.

Blending romantic melodies with rhythmic vitality, the work captivates listeners with its dramatic development and colorful orchestration.

It is highly recommended for those interested in classical music or anyone who wants to experience storytelling through sound.