Appendix 1: Works for multiple solo cellos and orchestra/ensemble
(compiled by Renate Dehmer)
This page contains entries for 193 composers of 207 works for multiple cellos and orchestra/ensemble, many of which are concertos. Thirty-three (16%) of the works have been recorded. Seventy-four of these composers also wrote at least one concerto for single cello and orchestra - they have links in the name to their entry in the main alphabetical section. For composers listed here who did not write a single cello concerto, any other work(s) they wrote for cello and orchestra (see for example Janssen) are normally mentioned here rather than in Appendix 2.
One hundred and fifty-two of the works are for two cellos, twenty-four for three cellos, fifteen for four cellos, two for five cellos, one for six cellos, six for eight cellos, one for nine cellos, three for twelve cellos and three for an unspecified or variable number of cellos. They are listed within these categories below.
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Two cellos:
Aho, Kalevi wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2003 which can be heard on YouTube performed by Seeli Toivio and Sarah Dupriez.
Ajdinović, Jacek Wiktor wrote a rhapsody for two cellos and orchestra called Ab ovo in 2000.
Alıcıoğlu, Şafak (b.1965) is a Turkish composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2015. He also wrote three nocturnes for cello and orchestra: No.1 in 2017, Nos. 2 and 3 in 2018. The second and third may be heard on YouTube.
Angerer, Paul (1927-2017) was an Austrian composer, conductor and violist who wrote Conférence entre deux violoncelles with chamber orchestra accompaniment in 1956. He also orchestrated his Musica exanimata for cello and chamber orchestra in 1983.
Arnaoudov, Gheorghi (b.1957) is a Bulgarian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and chamber orchestra called Antiphona dulcis armonia in 2017. The premiere can be heard on YouTube played by Lilyana Kehayova and Lilia Schulz-Bayrova.
Azevedo, Sérgio wrote Variações Concertantes sobre um Tema de Couperin for two cellos and strings in 2005.
Baber, Joseph (1937-2022) was an American composer and violist who wrote a Rhapsody for two cellos and orchestra.
Balmages, Brian (b.1975) is an American composer and conductor who wrote It Takes Two to Tango for two cellos and orchestra which can be heard on YouTube (cellists uncredited). Another version of this work is called It Takes One to Tango for solo cello (or euphonium) and orchestra, and several performances of this can also be heard on YouTube, the one linked is played by Andres Sanches.
Banney, David (b.1968) is an Australian conductor, composer and doctor who wrote Prelude, Lament and Dance for two cellos and strings. This may be heard on YouTube played by Gavin Clark and Anthea Scott-Mitchell. He also wrote Rumble for two cellos and strings that was premiered by Gavin Clark and Anthea Scott-Mitchell in 2023 (see page 17).
Bartulis, Vidmantas (1954-2020) was a Lithuanian composer who wrote a concerto for two violins and orchestra in 2005. A version for two cellos and orchestra was performed in Klaipėda, Lithuania in 2023 by Marcel Johannes Kits and Krzysztof Karpeta. He also wrote Bolero. Pavane lacrimae for cello and string orchestra in 2010, and this may be heard on YouTube (Part I; Part II) played by Vytenis Pocius.
Beck, Jeremy wrote a concertino for two cellos and string orchestra in 2006. A revision made in 2017 has been recorded by Dimitar Tenchey and Boris Radilov for Innova, and may be heard on YouTube played by Luz del Carmen Águila and Adriana Carrasco.
Belaubre, Louis-Noël wrote Symphony Concertante No.1 for two cellos (or bassoon and cello) and string orchestra in 1976.
Blacher, Boris wrote a sonata for two cellos and eleven instruments ad libitum in 1972 that was premiered by Wolfgang Boettcher and Eberhard Finke in the same year. This can be heard on YouTube played by Matthias Holdhoff and Beni Santora.
Boyman, Michael (b.1989) is an American composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2023. This was premiered by Jennifer Shaw and Sue Rangeley and may be heard via the link above.
Bresgen, Cesar wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1979.
Brkanović, Željko (1937-2018) was a Croatian composer who wrote Ricercari for two cellos and orchestra in 1985.
Brown, Stephen (b.1948) is an English-born Canadian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra subtitled The Big Twin for Joyce Ellwood and Laura Backstrom in 2016. This can be heard and the score followed on YouTube.
Bürki, Mario (b.1977) is a Swiss composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and wind orchestra called Chroma which was premiered in 2014. This can be heard on YouTube played by Raphaela Gromes and Cécile Grüebler.
Cervo, Dimitri (b.1968) is a Brazilian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2013 which was the 7th work in his Brazil 2010 series. He revised the work in 2018.
Charlton, Alan (1970-2018) was an English composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1996. This was premiered by Harriet Cawood and Betsy Taylor, and extracts of their performance may be heard via the link above.
Constantinides, Dinos wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra (see page 16) in 1999. The first movement can be heard on YouTube played by Isaac Casal and Paul Christopher.
Dale Roberts, Jeremy (1934-2017) was an English composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and fifteen strings subtitled Deathwatch in 1974 which was premiered by Rohan de Saram and Ross Pople.
Darcy, Robert (1910-1967) was a French-born Belgian cellist and composer who wrote a Piece for two cellos and orchestra, and a Fantasie for cello and orchestra, both in 1937. He also wrote a concerto for four cellos (see below).
David, Bastien (b.1990) is a French composer who wrote L'ombre d'un doute (The shadow of a doubt) for two cellos and string orchestra. This has been recorded by Marie Ythier and Arne Deforce for B Records. The premiere played by Marie Ythier and Eric Maria Couturier in 2022 may be heard on YouTube.
Delune, Louis wrote Fileuse for two cellos and orchestra (or piano) in 1943.
Demenga, Thomas (b.1954) is a Swiss cellist and composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Relations in 2007. He also wrote Solo per Due for for two cellos and orchestra in 1990, and a work for three cellos and orchestra (see below). Demenga's works for solo cello with various orchestration include Oh Cello voll Echo (1992), Les Adieux (2000 - there are three versions) and Solutio (2003). He may be heard playing Les Adieux on YouTube.
Despić, Dejan (b.1930) is a Serbian composer who wrote Dosta ye već (Enough Already), recitative, chorale and variations on a theme by Felix Mendelssohn for two cellos and strings in 1999. This can be heard on You Tube played by Xenia Jankovic and Christoph Richter. He also wrote two works for cello and string orchestra: Recitativo e Passacaglia funebre (1975) and Three meditations (1989). Both can be heard on YouTube, respectively played by Irena Josifoska and Xenia Jankovic. Despić also wrote a concertino for cello and chamber orchestra in 2010. We found evidence for the work at the composer's website dejandespic.com but this is no longer available.
Detoni, Dubravko (b.1937) is a Croatian pianist and composer who wrote Einflüsse for two cellos and orchestra in 1971. He also wrote Assonance No.2 for cello and orchestra in the same year and this has been recorded by Vlado Požar for Croatia Records.
Dotzauer, Friedrich wrote a Concerto concertant for two cellos (or violin and cello) and orchestra which was published in 1826.
Ebenhöh, Horst wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2016.
Eichberg, Søren Nils wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called House of Mirrors in 2010. This can be heard on YouTube (in two parts) played by Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt and Jens Peter Maintz.
Fauré, Gabriel (1845-1924) was a French composer who is said to have written a double cello concerto for Pablo Casals and Guilhermina Suggia. Given that the link above states that they performed it in public, it is surprising that there seems to be no other evidence of the existence of the work on the internet. It would be interesting to know whether the concerto appears in the thematic catalogue of his works by Jean-Michel Nectoux but we have been unable to access it. We would be grateful for help from any reader who does have access. Fauré also wrote an Élégie for cello and piano in 1880 and later orchestrated it. Recordings of the orchestral version include those by Han-Na Chang on Warner and Eric Picard for Erato. A recent version by Sheku Kanneh-Mason on Decca uses an arrangement by Simon Parkin in which he is accompanied by nine cellos.
Fedele, Ivan wrote Dioscuri for two cellos and orchestra in 1997. This was an elaboration of his first cello concerto from 1996, and was premiered by Iseult Chuat and Jacques Bernaert.
Fine, Michael wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra called Autumn in my heart in 2020.
Firsova, Alissa (b.1986) is a Russian-British composer (and daughter of Elena Firsova and Dmitri Smirnov) who wrote Le soleil de Conques for two cellos and string orchestra. This was premiered by Claudio Pasceri and Julius Berger in 2015.
Fuleihan, Anis wrote Scene from Hamlet for two cellos and orchestra in 1965.
Galante, Carlo wrote Le porte del sogno (The doors of the dream), a piccolo concerto for two cellos and string orchestra which was premiered in 2010.
Gaytán-Procel, Omar Octavio (b.1965) is a Mexican composer based in Denmark who wrote Disobedience for two cellos and string ensemble in 2013. This may be heard on SoundCloud.
Gerigk, Martin (b.1972) is a German composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2003.
Ghedini, Giorgio Federico wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called L'olmeneta (The Elm Grove) in 1951. The following year this was recorded live under the composer's baton by Benedetto Mazzacurati and Mario Gusella on LP for Colosseum, now restored on CD by Naxos. The work has since been recorded by Werner Thomas-Mifune and Antonio Meneses for Koch, and Nikolay Shugaev and Dmitrii Prokofiev for Naxos.
Gougeon, Denis wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Spassiba Yuli in 2023. This was premiered in 2024 by Stéphane Tétreault and Bryan Cheng, and a short excerpt may be heard on YouTube.
Grahl, Trevor (b.1984) is a Dutch-Canadian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and ensemble called Lightweight. This was premiered by Lidy Blijdorp and Sebastiaan van Halsema in 2022, and they may be heard playing the work on YouTube.
Grell, Eduard (1800-1886) was a German composer and organist who wrote a Duettino concertante for two cellos and strings (a version with piano accompaniment was published in 1879). He also wrote an Andante cantabile for cello and strings around 1870, and a work for three cellos and strings (see below).
Gubaidulina, Sofia wrote Zwei Wege for two violas and orchestra in 1998. This was arranged by Johannes Schachtner for two cellos and orchestra in 2014, and premiered at the Seoul International Music Festival in that year.
Hagstedt, Fredrik (b.1975) is a Swedish composer who wrote Patience No.3 for two cellos and string orchestra in 2005. We found evidence of the work at www.medvetenhetsverkstad.se/worklist.html but the page no longer exists.
Handel, George Frideric (1685-1759) was a German-British composer whose concerto grosso in C Alexander's Feast (HWV 318) was arranged for two cellos and orchestra by Ferdinando Ronchini in 1934. This is presumably the work that can be heard on YouTube played by Valentin Feigin and Katalin Sin (Part 1; Parts 2 & 3). Handel's Sonata for two violins and continuo (HWV 393) in G minor was arranged by Henry Brown for two cellos and orchestra. This is presumably the same work that was recorded by Ross Pople and Ferenc Szucs for Arte Nova and can be heard on YouTube. There are also arrangements of Handel's concertos for cello and orchestra, and four cellos and orchestra (see below).
Harnik, Jonathan (b.1986) is a composer who studied in Montreal and is now based in Israel who wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra called Beyond. This was premiered in 2013 by Olga Mizyuk and Dmitry Babich, and they can be heard playing the work on SoundCloud.
Hazama, Miho (b.1986) is a Japanese-born composer based in the United States who wrote a double cello concerto designated No.1 for two cellos and symphony orchestra in 2015 that was premiered by Derek and Adele Stein in that year.
Henking, Christian (b.1961) is a Swiss composer and conductor who wrote Brest for two cellos and string orchestra in 1990.
Hoffman, Joel wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2020. The premiere played by his daughter Natania and brother Gary Hoffman may be heard on YouTube (starts around 46 minutes in).
Hofmann, Leopold wrote a concertino for two cellos and orchestra.
Holm, Peder (1926-2020) was a Danish composer who a concertino for two cellos and small orchestra in 1990. He also wrote a Fantasi for cello and orchestra in 1954.
Horsthuis, Maurice (b.1948) is a Dutch jazz musician and composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Yo el Rey in 1993. This has been recorded by Ernst Reijseger and Yo-Yo Ma for Sony. He also wrote Al Lago for two cellos and orchestra. This has been recorded privately by Doris Hochscheid and Saartje Van Camp, and may be heard on YouTube played by Emile Visser and Annie Tangberg in 2005. Horsthuis also wrote Once Unkind for cello and strings and this may also be heard on YouTube played by Annie Tangberg in 2005.
Howard, Brian (b.1951) is an Australian composer who wrote Nocturnes for the King of Naples for two cellos and orchestra in 2011.
Jabłoński, Henryk Hubertus wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1974.
Janmohammadi, Nima (b.1984) is an Iranian composer who wrote We ran into a shelter filled with tears and sounds I had hidden for two cellos and ensemble in 2018. This can be heard on SoundCloud played by Joshua Gordon and Christopher Gross.
Janssen, Guus (b.1951) is a Dutch composer and harpsichordist who wrote Belvédère for two cellos and orchestra in 2007 which was premiered by Larissa Groeneveld and Ernst Rejseger. He also wrote Out of Step for cello and ensemble in 2016.
Jevtić, Ivan wrote a Divertimento for two violoncellos and string orchestra in 1997. This can be heard on YouTube played by Srđan Sretenović and Marko Miletić.
Karbowski, Ben is an American cellist who wrote a sonatina for two cellos and string orchestra which he performed with Sam Ranney in Carnegie Hall in 2015.
Keuris, Tristan (1946-1996) was a Dutch composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1992 which has been recorded by Ralph Kirshbaum and Gregor Horsch for Quattro. This can be heard on YouTube.
Klengel, Julius wrote a concerto for two cellos in 1907 and gave the premiere of the orchestral version with his daughter Eva in 1912. This has been recorded by Xenia Jankovic and Christoph Richter for cpo.
Koehne, Graeme (b.1956) is an Australian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Sleep of Reason in 2008 which was premiered by Pei-Jee Ng and Pei-Sian Ng in the following year.
Kõrvits, Tõnu (b.1969) is an Estonian composer who wrote Helios Helios for two cellos and orchestra in 2008 which was premiered by Pei-Jee Ng and Pei-Sian Ng. He also wrote Seitsme Linnu Seitse Und (Seven Dreams of Seven Birds) for cello, choir and orchestra in 2009, and arranged for cello and orchestra in 2012 Laul (Song), the second movement of Signal and Song which was originally for French horn and piano. Both works have been recorded by Anja Lechner for ECM.
Kraft, Nikolaus wrote a concertino for two cellos and orchestra which has been recorded by Alexander Rudin and Emin Martirosian for Naxos.
Krasotov, Oleksandr (1936-2007) was a Ukrainian composer who wrote a concertino grosso for two cellos and chamber orchestra in 1996. This may be heard on YouTube played by A.Pirozhkova and A.Stoyanova, and by Zoltan Almashi and Glib Sasko.
Kulenty, Hanna (b.1961) is a Polish composer who wrote DoubleCelloConcerto for two cellos and symphony orchestra in 2018. This can be heard on YouTube performed by Magdalena Bojanowicz and Bartosz Koziak. She also wrote Sinequan Forte A for solo amplified cello with delay and orchestra in 1994.
Kurbatov, Alexey (b.1983) is a Russian composer and pianist now based in Montenegro who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra. This was performed in Moscow in 2013 by Evgeny Rumyantsev and Sergei Suvorov who can be heard playing the work on SoundCloud.
Lampl, Kenneth (b.1964) is an American composer, who jointly with his Danish-born wife Kirsten Axelholm-Lampl wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called To the Memory of Nelson Cooke: An Elegy for Cello and Orchestra. This was premiered by David Pereira and Benett Tsai in 2019.
Larchikov, Vadim (b.1967) is a Ukrainian composer and cellist who wrote Mystery II. The Precious and Life-giving Cross for two cellos and twenty strings in 2003. This may be heard on SoundCloud played by Olga Veselina and the composer. He also wrote a work for three cellos and orchestra (see below).
Laurance, Bill (b.1981) is an English composer, musician and producer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra. This was premiered in 2022 by Annie Tångberg and Emile Visser and may be heard on YouTube (starts around 7').
Leplin, Emanuel (1917-1972) was an American composer, conductor and painter who wrote Galaxy for two cellos and orchestra in 1942.
Liljeholm, Thomas (b.1944) is a Swedish composer who wrote Merging for two cellos and string orchestra in 2007. This was premiered by Olga Veselina and Vadim Larchikov in 2013.
Magrill, Samuel (b.1952) is an American composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2001. This has been recorded by Tess Remy-Schumacher and Kirsten Fedje Underwood for Xolo.
Mahle, Ernst wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2020.
Mainardi, Enrico wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1969.
Malcys, Arvydas wrote a concerto grosso for two cellos and string orchestra in 2013.
Marinescu, Ovidiu (b.1965) is a Romanian cellist, conductor and composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos, strings and percussion in 2021. This may be heard on YouTube played by the composer as first cellist with a different second cellist for each of the three movements - respectively Alexandra Paino, Lia Criscuolo and Carlos Martinez.
Meijering, Chiel wrote The Arco Arena, a concerto for two cellos and ensemble in 2010. This can be heard on YouTube played by Anssi Karttunen and Doris Hochscheid.
Melozzi, Enrico (b.1977) is an Italian composer and cellist best known for film scores who wrote The Sound of Falling Walls for two cellos and cello orchestra in 2014. This has been recorded by Giovanni Sollima and Leila Shirvani for Decca. A recording has also been made featuring 100 cellos! Melozzi also wrote The Never-ending Childhood for cello and orchestra in 2016 (based on a work for cello and piano from 2015). This has been recorded by Leila Shirvani for Antes and the disc also includes a work called Armonie su un Tema Persiano in a version for cello and orchestra.
Mendelsohn, Alfred wrote a concerto for two cellos in 1962.
Menotti, Gian Carlo (1911-2007) was an Italian-American composer who wrote a Suite that was arranged for two cellos and strings in 1973 by Hans Kunstovny. This has been recorded by Pablo Ferrández and Benedict Kloeckner for Profil and may be heard on YouTube. Menotti also wrote a Fantasia for cello and orchestra in 1976 that has been recorded by Raphael Wallfisch for Chandos.
Metke, Adolph Friedrich wrote a double cello concerto (see page 308).
Meyouhas, Yoram wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2021. We found evidence for the work at the composer's website yorameyouhas.com but this is no longer available.
Miasin, Alexei (b.1991) is a Russian composer who wrote a jazz concerto called Jazzoncerto grosso for two cellos and orchestra that was premiered by Elena Zhuleva and Dmitry Gudimov in 2020.
Moór, Emánuel wrote a double cello concerto in four movements in 1907. This has been recorded by Péter and Ildikó Szabó for Hungaroton, Qin Li-Wei and Sebastian Comberti for Cello Classics and Sebastian Hess and David Stromberg for Oehms.
Morlock, Jocelyn wrote a double cello concerto called Aeromancy in 2011 which was premiered by Yegor Dyachkov and Yuri Hooker. This has been recorded by Ariel Barnes and Joseph Elworthy for Centrediscs and may be heard on YouTube.
Moss, Piotr wrote Passions, a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2009. He also wrote a work for nine cellos and orchestra (see below).
Müller, Fabian wrote a concerto for two cellos called Dialogues Cellestes in 2009 that has been recorded by Pi-Chin Chien and Antonio Meneses for ARS.
Nagel, Jody (1960-2021) was an American composer who wrote A Ride Through the Nebula for two cellos and string orchestra which was premiered by Cecylia Barczyk and Frances Borowsky in 2006. A recording made by Distrokid may be heard on YouTube.
Nez, Ketty (b.1965) is a Macedonian-born American composer and pianist who wrote a duo concertante for two cellos and chamber orchestra called beyond release in 2007. This has been recorded by Anthony Arnone and Hanna Holman for Albany and may be heard on YouTube.
Nieder, Fabio (b.1957) is an Italian-German composer who wrote Canone per i settanta anni di Pavle Merkù for two distant cellos and ensemble in 1997.
Ott, David wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1988. This has been recorded by Daniel and Wolfgang Laufer for Koss Classics. It may be heard via the composer's website played by Steven Honigberg and David Teie or directly on YouTube played by Wesley Baldwin and Carter Enyart.
Paganini, Niccolò (1782-1840) was an Italian violinist and composer who wrote a Sonata a Preghiera for violin and orchestra in 1818. It is also known as the Variations on one string, Variations on a theme by Rossini or the Moses Fantasy. Paul Tortelier made an arrangement for two cellos and orchestra, and recorded this on LP together with Maud Martin-Tortelier for HMV. Maurice Gendron was probably the first to arrange it for one cello and the work has since received several other arrangements for various instrumentation involving the cello.
Peçi, Aleksandër wrote a double cello concerto in 2014 (see page 79, designated as No.3) that can be heard on YouTube performed by Astrit Selita and Joel Blido.
Peng, Jing (1965-2023) was a Taiwanese composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra that was performed by Wen-Sinn Yang and Mon-Puo Lee in 2022.
Pérez Frutos, Iluminada (b.1972) is a Spanish composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos, orchestra and narrator called La Nacencia in 2010. The work seems to have been recorded and may be heard on various streaming sites including YouTube but the cellists are uncredited.
Petit, Pierre (1922-2000) was a French composer who wrote a Suite for two cellos and orchestra in 1974.
Piatti, Alfredo wrote a Serenata for two cellos and orchestra which was first published around 1885. This may be heard on YouTube in a computer-generated performance for two cellos and strings.
Pitombeira, Liduíno wrote a concerto for two cellos and wind orchestra in 2018.
Platone, Luigi wrote a Basso concerto in C which has two solo cello parts (which can be found by searching the link using "luigi platone violoncello").
Podéšt’, Ludvík (aka Ludvík Binovský) (1921-1968) was a Czech composer and conductor who wrote a concertino for two cellos and chamber orchestra in 1965.
Prechal (Prchal), Thomas (b.2004) is a Dutch-Czech cellist and composer who wrote Symbiosis for two cellos and string orchestra and premiered it with Samuel Weilacher in 2019. He also wrote Phoenix for cello and orchestra, and Rhapsodie No.1 (Rutesheim Rhapsody) for cello and string orchestra (2017) which he may be heard playing on YouTube.
Ramos Sanz, Rafael wrote a Capriccio for two cellos and string orchestra that may be heard on YouTube in a computer generated performance.
Reicha, Anton wrote a sinfonia concertante for two cellos and orchestra in 1805. This has been recorded by Bruno Delepelaire and Stephan Koncz for Sony.
Reverdy, Michèle (b.1943) is a French composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and chamber orchestra subtitled Les Gémeaux in 1993 which was premiered by Marc Coppey and Renaud Déjardin.
Riddell, Gregor (b.1985) is an English cellist and composer based in Norway who wrote a double cello concerto subtitled Sin Aliento which he premiered together with Torun Stavseng and the Bolivia Classica Chamber Orchestra in 2013.
Riley, Colin (b.1963) is an English composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos, strings and percussion called Warp and Weft in 2017 which was premiered by Gabriela Swallow and Guy Johnston.
Ripper, João Guilherme (b.1959) is a Brazilian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Duplum in 2017. This can be heard on YouTube played by Duo Santoro. He also wrote Sea Song for cello and string orchestra in 2018 and this may be heard on YouTube played by Lars Hoefs.
Romberg, Bernhard wrote a concertino for two cellos and orchestra around 1840. This has been recorded by Bruno Delepelaire and Stephan Koncz for Sony, and by Alexander Rudin and Emin Martirosian for Naxos.
Rowe, Rebecca (b.1970) is a British composer who wrote a double cello concerto called Lightlines in 1993 which was premiered by Dee Isaacs and Mary Stabler.
Rubtsov, Andrey (b.1982) is a Russian oboist, conductor and composer who wrote Andante Dolente et Scherzo, a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2005. The premiere played by Ruslan Biryukov and Maksim Velichkin in 2010 may be heard on YouTube.
Ruoff, Axel wrote Im Dunkeln singen (In darkness singing), funeral music for two cellos and string orchestra in 1994.
Ruyssen, Pierre (1892-1965) was a French cellist and composer who wrote Concerto dans le style classique for two cellos and orchestra which was published in 1953.
Sabbato, Sérgio Di (b.1955) is a Brazilian composer and cellist who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1997 which was dedicated to Duo Santoro.
Sardelli, Federico Maria wrote five concertos in baroque style for two cellos, three concerti da camera for two violoncelli piccoli and continuo in 2010-11, and two for cello, strings and continuo in 2018, in C major and D minor. The latter may be heard on YouTube played by Luca Provenzani and Maria Salvatori.
Sarti, Michele (b.1991) is an Italian composer who wrote Of night and light and the half-light for two cellos and strings. This was premiered by Anssi Karttunen and Claudio Pasceri in 2022 and may be heard on SoundCloud.
Schmucki, Annette (b.1968) is a Swiss composer who wrote Hagel und Haut for two cellos and large ensemble in 2008. This has been recorded by Imke Frank and Martina Schucan for Musiques Suisses.
Schneider, Enjott wrote Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde, a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 2013. This has been recorded by Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt and Jens Peter Maintz for Wergo.
Scholz, Robert (1902-1986) was an Austrian-born American pianist, conductor and composer based in Taiwan in his later years who wrote an Adagio for two cellos (or solo cello) and orchestra in 1935.
Segerstam, Leif wrote Plays for two cellos, percussion and small orchestra in 1978 that was premiered by Alexandra Bachtiar and Leonhard Wallisch. He also wrote a work for a variable number of cellos and strings (see below).
Shapey, Ralph (1921-2002) was an American composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2000 (see Box 113 Folder 1).
Slatkin, Leonard (b.1944) is an American conductor and composer who wrote Dialogue for two cellos and orchestra which was premiered by his mother Eleanor and brother Fred under the composer's baton in 1975.
Sollima, Giovanni wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Antidotum Tarantulae XXI which he premiered with Yo-Yo Ma in 2014. A later performance by the composer and Boris Andrianov can be heard on YouTube.
Spatz, Alice is an American composer and double bassist who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Iona in 1994 which was premiered by Maxine Neuman and Michael Finckel.
Steiner, Timo arranged Meisterwerk for two cellos and orchestra in 2003 which was premiered by Villu Vihermäe and Andreas Lend. The work exists in two versions with differing length and orchestration (there is also a version for solo cello and strings).
Stranz, Ulrich (1946-2004) was a German composer mostly active in Switzerland who wrote Music for two cellos and orchestra in 2000. This has been recorded by Thomas Grossenbacher and Rafael Rosenfeld for Musiques Suisses.
Sydor, Paweł (b.1970) is a Polish composer who wrote Szalom for two cellos and string orchestra in 2013 which was premiered by Dorota Imiełowska and Łukasz Pawlikowski. He also wrote two works for cello and string orchestra: Meditacje and Lamento, both in 2001.
Tally, Mirjam (b.1976) is an Estonian composer who wrote Winter Island for two cellos and string orchestra in 2012 which was premiered by Olga Veselina and Vadim Larchikov. The work was originally written in 2009 for viola, cello and strings and only the original version appears to have been recorded.
Thoresen, Lasse wrote Illuminations, a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1990. This has been recorded by Aage Kvalbein and Liv Opdal Eggestad for Aurora.
Todorov, Liuben (1905-1987) wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1964.
Tortelier, Paul wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1950. He can be heard playing the work with his wife Maud via the above link. She later recorded the work with Arto Noras for Chandos and this can be heard on Open Spotify.
Tura, Hasan Niyazi (b.1982) is a Turkish conductor and composer who wrote Adagio e Scherzo for two cellos and string orchestra in 2007 (see page 73).
Umar-Durr, Niko (b.1995) is an American violinist and composer who wrote Zephyr in Gemini, a serenade for two cellos and orchestra. This was premiered by Eamon Riley and Milo Klise in 2022 and can be heard on YouTube.
Van Geel, Oene (b.1973) is a Dutch composer and jazz violinist who wrote a double cello concerto called Road Movie in 2016. A broadcast of the premiere played by Nikolay Shugaev and Willem Stam may be heard here (starts at 36 minutes).
Vieru, Anatol wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 1992 that can be heard on YouTube played by Marin Cazacu & Mirel Iancovici.
Vivaldi, Antonio wrote a concerto for two cellos RV531 which has been recorded many times. A recording by the Lloyd Webbers features five other concertos by the composer arranged by Julian Lloyd Webber for two cellos.
Vuori, Harri (b.1957) is a Finnish composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called Ad astra in 2023. A computer generated performance may be heard on YouTube.
Waddle, P. Kellach (b.1967) is an American composer and bassist who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra called The Unseen Shooting Stars in 2001. The first movement may be heard on SoundCloud played by Regina Mushabac and Richard Weiss.
Wessman, Harri (b.1949) is a Finnish composer who began a hitherto unfinished Suite for two cellos and string orchestra in the 1990s. He also wrote three works for cello and string orchestra: Scorpius (1971), Andantino (1993), and a concertino based on Hungarian themes (1995).
Winkelman, Helena wrote Baumgespräch (Tree talk) for two cellos and chamber orchestra in 2011 which was premiered by premiered by Thomas and Patrick Demenga.
Woolstenhulme, Jeremy (b.1974) is an American composer and cellist who wrote A esperança é a última que morre (Hope is the Last to Die) for two cellos and orchestra. He may be heard performing it in 2020 on YouTube with an uncredited cellist.
Zaimov, Velislav (b.1951) is a Bulgarian composer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra (see page 37) in 1999. This can be heard on YouTube played by Vladimir Popov and Dimitar Tenchev.
Zalba, Martin (b.1958) is a Spanish composer and photographer who wrote a concerto for two cellos and orchestra in 2005. The first two movements can be heard on SoundCloud in a digitally-created orchestral version or a performance of a piano reduction played by David Johnstone and François Monciero.
Zeljenka, Ilja wrote a concerto for two cellos and string orchestra in 1994. This can be heard on YouTube played by Mark Varshavsky and Christine Lacoste.
Zyka (Zicka), Joseph wrote a double cello concerto.
Three cellos:
Albright, Janet (b.1933) is an American composer who wrote a concerto for three cellos and orchestra (see page 6) in 2010 which was premiered by Tobias Engeli, Jan Hendrik Rübel and Andreas Klaue in 2011.
Arnowitt, Michael (b.1962) is an American pianist and composer who wrote Haiku Textures for three cellos and orchestra that was premiered by John Dunlop, Bonnie Thurber Klimowski, and Rob Bethel in 2013.
Balada, Leonardo wrote a concerto for three cellos in 2006 which has been recorded by Hans-Jakob Eschenburg, Michael Sanderling and Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt for Naxos, and is known as A German concerto.
Berger, Jonathan (b.1954) is an American composer who wrote The fires of the night for three cellos and orchestra in 1982.
Calabro, Louis (1926-1991) was an Italian-American composer who wrote a concerto for three cellos and orchestra in 1971.
Cummings, Simon J.C. (b.1986) is an American cellist and composer who wrote Alchemy and Nocturnal, both for three cellos and orchestra. The works may be heard on YouTube via the links above played by Cecilia Caughman, Simon Cummings and Nicole Myers.
Demenga, Thomas (see above) wrote Hand made for three cellos and strings in 1986.
Feldbusch, Eric wrote an Adagio for three cellos and string orchestra in memory of Hubert Rogister in 1960. This was premiered by Charles Bartock, Jean Join and the composer.
Grell, Eduard (see above) wrote a Terzetto for three cellos and strings.
Ho, Vincent wrote Three Warriors, a concerto for cello trio and string orchestra for Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Denise Djokic, and Paul Marleyn in 2014. This can be heard on SoundCloud, presumably played by the dedicatees.
Larchikov, Vadim (see above) wrote Tenebrae-psalm for three cellos and orchestra in 2007. This may be heard on Sound Cloud played by Dominique de Williencourt, Olga Veselina and the composer.
Mânzat, Laura Ana (b.1969) is a Romanian composer and radio editor who wrote a concerto for three cellos and orchestra which was premiered in 2020. This may be heard on YouTube played by Mircea Marian, Valentin Dimitrie Simion and Sofia Blându.
Penderecki, Krzysztof wrote a concerto grosso (No.1) for three cellos and orchestra in 2000. This has been recorded by Ivan Monighetti, Arto Noras and Rafał Kwiatkowski for Naxos.
Poli, Agostino (1739-1819) was an Italian cellist and composer working in Germany who wrote a Gran Concerto for three cellos and orchestra, probably between 1774 and 1782.
Popper, David wrote a Requiem for three cellos and orchestra in 1892. This has been recorded by Maria Kliegel, Caroline Stinson and Johann Ludwig for Naxos.
Raskatov, Alexander (b.1953) is a Russian composer who wrote Three Angels Sang for three cellos, three child singers and orchestra. This was premiered in 2012 by Ivan Monighetti, Alexander Ivashkin and Gavriil Lipkind, and they may be heard playing the work on YouTube. He also wrote Blissful Music for cello and chamber orchestra in 1997 and Leçons des ténèbres for cello and ensemble which was premiered by David Geringas in 2012. An excerpt may be heard on YouTube.
Schuller, Gunter wrote On Winged Flight for three cellos and concert band in 1989. This has been recorded by Naxos and may be heard on YouTube.
Shawn, Allen wrote Ancestors for three cellos and ensemble in 1996.
Williams, Tristan Rhys is a Welsh composer who wrote Music for three cellos and ensemble as one of fourteen compositions submitted for his Ph.D at the University of Brunel in London.
Vivaldi, Antonio wrote a concerto grosso in D minor which was arranged by Dmitri Yanov-Yanovsky for three cellos, strings and harpsichord in 2016.
Williencourt, Dominique de wrote Xer Xès for three cellos and string orchestra which was premiered in 2009 by premiered by Olga Veselina, Vadim Larchikov, and the composer.
Yeston, Maury (b.1945) is an American composer who wrote a concerto for cello and orchestra with two additional cello soloists which was premiered in 1977 with Yo-Yo Ma as the principal soloist. An article in the New York Times in 1983 suggested that Yeston composed a concerto for nine cellos and orchestra in the same year. This seems unlikely to be a different work and the difference probably reflects "the responsorial treatment of solo and multiple celli with each other and with the orchestra" described here. At least part of the work may be heard via the last link.
Zahaikevych, Alla wrote Cantos: Island for three cellos and fifteen strings in 2010.
Four cellos:
Banter, Harald wrote Geister im Schloss for cello quartet and jazz orchestra in 1992.
Darcy, Robert (see above) wrote a concerto for four cellos and wind orchestra in 1936.
Halffter, Cristóbal wrote Fantasie über einen Klang von G.F. Händel for four cellos and strings in 1981. Another version of the work is for eight or twelve cellos and strings. This has been recorded by Diego Alonso, Oleguer Aymamí, Paula Hernández and Mikel Zunzundegui for Verso.
Handel, George Frideric (1685-1759) (see also above) is cited here as the composer of a concerto arranged for four cellos and orchestra by Robert Darcy and performed by the Brussels cello quartet. No further information about the work appears to be available on the internet. It seems possible that it is the same work attributed to Darcy two entries above.
Harchanko, Joseph (b.1971) is an American cellist and composer who wrote Voyage for four cellos and cello choir or two antiphonal cello quartets in 1992.
Janocha, Michał (b.1990) is a Polish composer who wrote Four of me for off me for four cellos and orchestra in 2016. An excerpt may be heard on SoundCloud.
Meyer, Krzysztof wrote Caro Luigi for four cellos and string orchestra in 1989. This was performed in 2022 by Krzysztof Karpeta, Wojciech Fudala, Adam Krzeszowiec and Tomasz Daroch.
Nichifor, Șerban (b.1954) is a Romanian composer and cellist who wrote Turkish Bolero for four cellos and orchestra in 2002. This can be heard on YouTube played by Marin Cazacu, Alexandra Guţu, Razvan Suma, and Olga Manescu. He also wrote Un certain instant for cello and orchestra in 2001, and his symphony No.7 Cello Memoirs from 2003 is scored for solo cello and strings.
Peck, Russell (1945-2009) was an American composer who wrote a concerto for cello quartet and orchestra called Voice of the Wood in 1999. This can be heard on YouTube played by Dong-Oo Lee, So-Young Jeon, Kyung-Mi Anna Lee, and Jacques Lee Wood.
Sommen, Frans van der (b.1945) is a Dutch composer and musician who wrote Strange Story for four cellos and orchestra that was premiered in 2011 by premiered by Jeroen van Geene, Marike Dijkhuizen, Coby Klijnsma, and Bea Schoenmakers.
Thatcher, Howard R. wrote an Elegy for four cellos and organ or orchestra in 1932.
Toister, Doron (b.1957) is an Israeli cellist and composer who wrote a concerto for cello quartet and orchestra in 2015 which can be heard on YouTube played by the Rastrelli Cello Quartet.
Vereno, Klemens wrote a concerto for four cellos and chamber ensemble in 1978.
Villani-Côrtes, Edmundo wrote Cinco Miniaturas Brasileiras for cello and piano (and a version for four cellos) in 1978. These have been arranged by Diego Schuck for cello quartet and string orchestra, and may be heard on YouTube, played by Diego Schuck, Murilo Alves, Rodrigo Alquati and Tacio Vieira.
Waggoner, Andrew (b.1960) is an American composer who wrote a concerto for four cellos and orchestra called Stretched on the Beauty in 2007. There is also a version for four cellos only. Part of the work can be heard on SoundCloud played by Julie Albers, Laura Bontrager, Maureen McDermott, and Caroline Stinson. He also wrote The Mountain Remains for cello, strings, percussion and piano in 2005.
Five cellos:
Górecki, Mikołaj Piotr (b.1971) is a Polish composer (and son of Henryk Górecki) who wrote a sinfonia concertante for five cellos and orchestra in 2019 that was premiered in 2022 by Tomasz Strahl and the Polish Cello Quartet (Krzysztof Karpeta, Wojciech Fudala, Adam Krzeszowiec, and Thomas Daroch). His compositions also include an Elegy for cello and string orchestra (2014) and Zaćmienie czasu (Eclipse of Time) for cello and orchestra (2018). The Elegy has been recorded by Tomasz Strahl for Dux and may be heard on YouTube.
Mellan, Thomas (b.1995) is a French-born composer, organist and pianist based in the United States who wrote a concerto for five cellos and orchestra called ... on transcendence ... which was premiered in 2016. This can be heard on YouTube played by the Sakura cello quintet.
Six cellos:
Desenne, Paul wrote Dragoncello for six cellos and string orchestra in 2008, the premiere of which can be heard via the above link.
Eight cellos:
Koering, René (b.1940) is a French composer who wrote Déchirement déchirures for eight cellos and orchestra in 2005. He also wrote Jusqu'au feu, exclusivement ... for cello and orchestra in 1975.
Lazkano, Roman (b.1968) is a French-Spanish Basque composer who wrote Hauskor for eight cellos and orchestra in 2006 which has been recorded by Cello Octet Amsterdam for Kairos.
Lemaître, Dominique (b.1953) is a French composer who wrote Huit à l'infini for cello octet and orchestra in 2001. This has been recorded by L'Octuor de Violoncelles for Coda and they may be heard playing it on YouTube. He also wrote Altius for cello and sixteen instruments in 1999 (which has been recorded by Gary Hoffman, is included on the disc linked above and may be heard on YouTube), and Horizons réflexes for cello and orchestra in 2006.
Petroï, Ionel (b.1958) is a Yugoslavian-born French composer of Romanian descent who wrote a parody grotesque called Ethnic Cleansing for 8 cellos and 4 percussion instruments in 1996.
Touchi, Michael (b.1964) is an American composer who wrote Tiento for eight cellos and string orchestra which was premiered in 2012.
Verhaar, Ary (1900-1994) was a Dutch composer who wrote a concerto for eight cellos and symphony orchestra in 1953.
Nine cellos:
Moss, Piotr wrote Tren pamięci zabitych górników z kopalni Wujek for nine cellos, wind orchestra and symphony orchestra in 2021. He also wrote a work for two cellos and orchestra (see above).
Twelve cellos:
Degen, Helmut wrote a concerto for twelve cellos in 1982. It has not been possible to establish whether or not this work has an orchestral accompaniment.
Tan Dun wrote Four Secret Roads of Marco Polo for twelve solo cellos and orchestra in 2004 which was premiered by the twelve cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
Wimberger, Gerhard (1923-2016) was an Austrian composer and conductor who wrote Plays for twelve cellos, winds and percussion in 1975 which was premiered by the twelve cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He also wrote Musica cellissima for cello and orchestra in 2003.
Number of cellos unspecified or variable:
Ekimovsky, Victor (b.1947) is a Russian composer who wrote Lyrical digressions for a solo group of cellos and orchestra in 1971. This has been recorded in a performance conducted by Konstantin Krimets for RMG and may be heard on YouTube.
Segerstam, Leif wrote his Symphony No.299 for 1-12 cellos and strings in 2016. He also wrote a work for two cellos and orchestra (see above).
Usmanbaş, İlhan (b.1921) is a Turkish composer who wrote İşte, Sevgili Viyolonsellerimiz! (Here are our beloved cellos) in 1999. This may heard on YouTube where the accompanying Turkish text appears to indicate that it is for a group of cellos and orchestra. If you are aware of any further information about the instrumentation of this concerto please get in touch with us.
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