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It had been a few years since Sergei Rachmaninov had written a collection of solo piano pieces, and he was confident enough of his craft to go up against the great Chopin, who had defined the prelude for piano. Sergei’s Opus 23 collection is a must for any budding pianist.

This is the great Richter playing the first prelude, a wonderfully dark and contemplative piece.

Rachmaninov: Prelude in F# minor, Op. 23/1

This is one of the greatest piano showpieces ever written, and Ashkenazy does it justice.

Prelude in B-flat, Op. 23/2

Ashkenazy gives this one a mysterious flavor. Follow along with the score. You won’t be able to get the tune out of your head.

Prelude in D minor, Op. 23/3

This is Van Cliburn of Texas, one of very best American interpreters of Rachmaninov. Listen to the multilevel voices Sergei adds to the text by using held notes, which Cliburn brings out beautifully. This is a one handkerchief piece.

Prelude in D, Op. 23/4

I tackled this piece at age 11, and most budding pianists get this as their first taste of Sergei. It’s not that tough technically, but the challenge is clarity of articulation. I love the way Lisitsa brings out the interior voices in the middle section.

Prelude in G minor, Op. 23/5

Follow the score along with Ashkenazy. It’s very dreamy.

Prelude in E-flat, Op. 23/6

Weird and otherworldly. Weissenberg at the keyboard.

Prelude in C minor, Op. 23/7

Follow the score with Ashkenazy.

Prelude in A-flat, Op. 23/8

This is Ashkenazy in another strange piece.

Prelude in E-flat minor, Op. 23/9

Kissin takes this piece a bit faster than others, but it works just fine.

Prelude in G-flat, Op. 23/10