Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 has once again been voted the UK’s favourite piece of classical music, topping the Classic FM Hall of Fame for the third year in a row.
The Russian-born composer’s stirring work garnered the most votes in the 2025 edition of the annual poll, with over 90,000 votes cast by the public. Composed in 1901 following Rachmaninov’s recovery from depression, the concerto is famously dedicated to Dr. Nikolai Dahl, the physician who supported him during that difficult time.
Taking the second spot this year is The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace by Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins, achieving its highest ever position in the chart. Originally dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo conflict, the piece continues to resonate with listeners worldwide as a message of remembrance and hope amid ongoing global unrest.
Reflecting on the achievement, Jenkins said:
“I’m honoured and humbled that The Armed Man has reached its highest ever position in the Classic FM Hall Of Fame 2025, particularly as I look at all the great masters, past and present, that sit on this list with me.”
He added:
“With 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of The Armed Man, I look back with great fondness to the premiere in 2000 at the first ever Classic FM Live concert, and I’m delighted that this piece has found resonance globally with so many of you over the years.
I regret to say that there has been no let-up in war and conflict since I dedicated the piece to the victims of Kosovo, but we continue to make music in remembrance of those who have fallen, and in the hope that humanity can find a way to heal.”
The most popular film score in the poll was the poignant Schindler’s List soundtrack, composed by John Williams, whose iconic body of work also includes the scores for Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.
The poll revealed that Mozart remains the nation’s favourite composer, with Tchaikovsky climbing the ranks to surpass both Beethoven and Bach in popularity.
This year’s chart also highlighted a growing appreciation for modern composers. Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi had five entries in the 2025 Hall of Fame, reflecting the evolving tastes of classical music fans.
The results were unveiled by Dan Walker, host of Classic FM Breakfast, who shared his thoughts on the annual event:
“Every year, the Classic FM Hall Of Fame provides a fascinating insight into the nation’s favourite classical music and how those music tastes are changing, and this year – the 30th Hall Of Fame – is no exception.
It is wonderful that Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 tops the poll once again – cementing its place as a timeless masterpiece which appeals across the generations.
It’s also exciting to see the growing popularity of film music, with 37 entries this year, and increased recognition for modern and living composers. Names like Ludovico Einaudi, Phamie Gow, and, of course, the legendary Sir Karl Jenkins are climbing up the chart, showcasing how classical music keeps evolving at the same time as honouring the greats.”
Related Topics
- Benson Boone Claps Back at Coachella Crowd With Cardboard Brian May After Lukewarm Response
- UJAM Launches Cinedream: A Cinematic Guitar Plugin Inspired by Hans Zimmer
- Rick Harrison Drops $85,000 on Stephen Stills’ Iconic Guitar in ‘Pawn Stars’ Windfall
