If you’ve been playing the cello awhile, you might already know of all the pieces on our list of the most famous cello music. But if you’re relatively new to the cello, a parent trying to inspire a cello-playing child, or just someone who is interested in the cello and wants some new music to listen to, take a look at our list of some of the most famous pieces for the cello. Yes, there are some pieces that could be called sad cello music, but the cello can be so much more! There are exciting pieces, unusual pieces, and life-affirming pieces. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of the main pieces in the cello repertoire, it’s just a short list of what we think are some of the best-known cello pieces, and by that we mean pieces non-cellists would possibly recognize. Enjoy!
Prelude, Suite No. 1 by J.S. Bach – This is probably the most famous piece for the cello. Bach wrote six suites for the cello, and this is just the first movement from the very first suite. Written way back in the 1700’s the suites are a cornerstone of the cello repertoire, and this particular Prelude has really become so popular it’s arguably one of the most popular classical pieces in general, not just cello pieces. If you enjoy the Prelude, check out the other movements from the first suite, as well as the other suites.
The Swan – This movement from Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals features solo cello. It is beautifully lyrical and probably the second best-known piece for cello (behind the Prelude).
Elgar’s Cello Concerto – The great English composer, Edward Elgar, is probably best known to the general public as the composer of Pomp and Circumstance (aka the graduation song). His cello concerto was written shortly after World War One but didn’t really make a splash until the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre played it in the 60s.
Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in b minor – Sometimes called ‘the king’ this piece is harder than the Elgar (and many other concertos for that matter). It’s a great piece, with a sublime second movement.
Kodaly’s Sonata for Solo Cello – Ok, so this one is maybe not that famous of a cello piece (as in one that a non-cellist would have heard of), but it is amazing! And we’re including it just for that reason. The great cellist Janos Starker is most closely associated with this piece, but there are many different versions to choose from on YouTube. Decide for yourself whose interpretation you like the best!
Happy listening!