Rachmaninoff left behind Prelude Op. 3, No. 2, 10 Preludes Op. 23, 13 Preludes Op. 32. These 24 works in total are each written in a different key.

The 10 Preludes Op. 23, with the exception of No. 5 (composed in 1901), were composed between 1902 and 1903 and published together in 1903. When performed in their entirety, the average performance time is approximately 35 minutes.

1. F-sharp minor / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 1, F-sharp minor – Largo

Over the shadowy arpeggiated chords in the left hand, a melancholic single-note melody is sung softly by the right hand.

2. B-flat major / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 2, B-flat major – Maestoso

The most brilliant and virtuosic piece in the collection. Over the wave-like arpeggios in the left hand, a fierce and powerful theme is sung by the right hand. In the middle section, a ripple-like figuration appears in the right hand, while a lyrical melody is richly played by the left hand. With a performance time of around four minutes, it would also be suitable as an encore piece for concerts.

3. D minor / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 3, D minor – Tempo di Minuetto

A mazurka-like piece played in 3/4 time at a minuet tempo. It features a lyrical middle section. The occasionally playful rhythms, amidst its elegance, are striking.

4. D major / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 4, D major – Andante Cantabile

A very beautiful single-note melody is sung softly over the arpeggiated chords in the left hand. As it must be played andante and legato with a long, sustained melody, careful attention and ingenuity will be required regarding touch and listening.

5. G minor / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 5, G minor – Alla Marcia

The march-like rhythm, played boldly yet freely from the outset, is striking, making this one of the most well-known pieces in this prelude collection. The romantic melody heard in the middle section also possesses a beauty characteristic of Rachmaninoff. Although there are many repeated chords and octaves, one must avoid tensing the body when striking the keys. Rachmaninoff's own recordings exist on SP records and player piano.

6. E-flat major / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 6, E-flat major – Andante

A work with highly captivating beautiful melodies and harmonies. While 16th notes gently ascend and descend in the left hand, a sweet and joyful melody is played in octaves. Attention should be paid to the balance between the hands and pedaling.

7. C minor / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 7, C minor – Allegro

An etude-like and passionate work. Throughout the piece, 16th notes rush energetically, with the melody played in octaves in between.

8. A-flat major / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 8, A-flat major – Allegro Vivace

A brilliant, etude-like work. Arpeggiated 16th notes are played in the right hand, beneath which the melody is sung with a rich sound.

9. E-flat minor / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 9, E-flat minor – Presto

An etude-like work of high difficulty. The left hand plays arpeggiated chords, while the right hand plays two-note chords that change chromatically as the piece progresses.

10. G-flat major / 10 Preludes Op. 23, No. 10, G-flat major – Largo

A lullaby-like work in ternary form. From the outset, a gentle melody in the left hand softly emerges within the quiet chords. It possesses a joyful atmosphere, and Rachmaninoff himself loved to play this piece. A recording from 1940 remains.