Piano Forum

I "graduated" from a few pieces recently and have been researching some ideas on what to learn next. I'd really love some recommendations.

I like Rachmaninoff because I love sad or dark / dramatic pieces in minor keys.  (Note: I have relatively small hands, though, and can span only an octave. I realize this is not ideal for Rachmaninoff, but I usually make it work for other pieces by rolling the bigger chords, redistributing between hands, and occasionally reaarranging chords or dropping a note when absolutely necessary.)  I've only played one Rachmaninoff piece ever, and it was a relatively easy one - the Prelude in C# Minor - decades ago and back when I was really young, so I don't have much experience with Rach and would love to start building up more repertoire.  

In terms of difficulty level, I'd like to start with something that isn't the hardest but isn't super easy either  (For "reference", I've finished 3 of the Chopin etudes recently, Debussy Estampes, and am working on the Chopin Ballades.)  I like challenging myself, but I also don't mind learning pieces that are "easier" than what I've been working on if it's essential repertoire that I skipped over, too.

I was originally thinking of trying his Moment Musicaux No 4, since I like dramatic pieces - not sure if this would be a good one or not, though.  I also like the middle part of his Elegy Op 3 No 1. Not sure if these are appropriate or not in terms of difficulty, though.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a Rachmaninoff piece to "start" with for someone who's never played much Rachmaninoff?  What are some of his "essentials" or the most fun to play?