Sergei Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C-sharp minor Op. 3, No. 2, is one of the composer's most famous compositions. Part of a set of five piano pieces titled Morceaux de fantaisie, it is a 62-bar prelude in ternary (ABA) form. It is also known as The Bells of Moscow since the introduction seems to reproduce the Kremlin's most solemn carillon chimes.
It was so popular that it was referred to as "The Prelude" and audiences would demand it as an encore at his performances, shouting "C-sharp!" Because of this, Rachmaninoff grew very tired of it and once said, "Many, many times I wish I had never written it."[3]
The prelude has been arranged for orchestra in several versions. It has been used in many films, and many songs have sampled it.