A classic win: Rachmaninov tops music poll

Rachmaninov’s Piano concerto no. 2 has been revealed as Britain’s favourite piece of classical music – beating vaughan Williams for the second year in a row.

The Russian composer’s piece came out on top in the annual classic Fm hall of Fame poll.

it dethroned English composer Ralph vaughan Williams’ The Lark ascending in 2023.

Rachmaninov finished writing his classic concerto in 1901, and dedicated it to his doctor nikolai Dahl, who helped him overcome a depressive episode.

The piece received renewed attention following the death of singer- songwriter Eric carmen last month, who sampled part of Rachmaninov’s melody in his hit song all By myself.

Williams took not only the second spot but also the third, with Fantasia on a Theme By Thomas Tallis. The top 300 classical pieces were played on classic Fm across the Easter weekend and the new number one was revealed yesterday.

music from films has soared in popularity, according to the poll which saw more than 100,000 votes cast by the public. some 39 entries were from film scores, with Us composer John Williams taking the honour of most popular living composer, with seven entries. Williams’ score for schindler’s List ranked at number ten in the poll, and his themes for star Wars, Jurassic Park and harry Potter also featured.

hans Zimmer, who wrote the music for Gladiator (at number 43) and interstellar (at 108) had six entries, while British composer Debbie Wiseman had four, including her score to the film Wilde at number 198.

Welsh musician sir Karl Jenkins, 80, was declared the most popular living British composer. he had four entries, including The armed man: a mass for Peace.

mozart retained his crown as the most popular composer with 13 entries, followed by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky with 11 each, and Bach with nine.

classic Fm presenter Dan Walker said: ‘The classic Fm hall of Fame always gives us a window into our taste in music and 2024 is no different.

‘Rachmaninov’s Piano concerto no. 2 is an enduring and powerful piece, and remains the nation’s favourite.’