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Learn what beautiful pieces can be played by a violin and cello duet.

Among the instruments in the violin family, the violin and cello are the most well-known and have the most repertoire available. The violin is perfect for playing the main melodies and has a clear, high-pitched and loud sound that stands out. The cello, with its more mellow tone, is great for accompaniment or enhancing the sound of an ensemble and when given a melody, its unique timbre can bring an audience to tears.

Teaming just these two instruments together for a duo and composing a piece for them is not that common. More often, you will see famous pieces being arranged for violin and cello. This is challenging for a composer because a lot of the harmonies and textures usually provided by a second violin, viola or piano have to be covered by only two lead instruments. It also means that the violinist and cellist have to provide more variety of sound. All this hasn’t stopped several composers from providing some amazing music! Let’s take a look at some of them here. Below, you will find 12 beautiful pieces, listed according to difficulty, so you and a friend or a family member can easily pick the ones that fit your level.

Violin and Cello Duets

Easy Violin and Cello Duets

In this section, I would like to share with you sheet music for the easiest pieces that can be played by violinist and cellist.

Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D

A very famous piece of music that is often played at weddings. This was originally composed for three violins and basso continuo, so you can play the first violin and your fellow cellist the continuo part.

Check out my separate post about Canon in D to learn more about the origins of this piece and get some tips on how to play it.

Violin and Cello Duets - Pachelbels Canon in D Violin Sheet Music

Pachelbel’s Canon in D

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – 12 Horn Duos

These were, as the name suggests, composed for two horns. However, there is an arrangement by Mozart himself for two violins and there are also arrangements for violin and viola. The cello and viola have the same strings (with a one-octave difference), so the two instruments have a common repertoire. Although the alto clef is mainly used for the viola, the cello does use both the bass and alto clefs, so this can be good practice in reading it!

Violin and Cello Duets - Mozart – 12 Duos for Violin and Viola

Mozart – 12 Duos for Violin and Viola

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

If you prefer to play with another violinist, here is a list of easy violin duets with sheet music.

Intermediate Violin & Cello Duos

There are more original pieces for intermediate students. Here are some interesting pieces that you can try:

Anton Dvořák – Humoresque Op. 101, No. 7 in D major

Written for piano, this is a piece that is often played by string instruments. It’s a bit challenging due to the syncopation.

Syncopation means accenting different notes to those you usually would in classical music.

Be careful! Play at a slow tempo first to synchronize it perfectly.

Here you can download the arrangement of Humoresque for violin and cello by Hana Lee:

Violin and Cello Duets - Anton Dvořák - Humoresque Op. 101, No. 7 in D major

Anton Dvořák – Humoresque
Op. 101, No. 7 in D major

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Johan Halvorsen – Passacaglia for Violin and Viola

While this was originally written for violin and viola as the name suggests, there’s an arrangement for violin and cello. Halvorsen was a Norwegian composer, conductor, and violinist. This work is based on a theme by Händel and is one of Halvorsen’s most well-known works. Beware of the dotted double stops in the beginning, and try to have a very clear tone and good intonation in the eight “molto energico” measures.

Violin and Cello Duets - Halvorsen - Passacaglia for Violin and Viola

Halvorsen – Passacaglia
for Violin and Viola

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Reinhold Glière – 8 Pieces, Op.39

Glière is a Soviet composer known for his folk influences. These eight pieces are not very difficult but explore the dynamics of the two instruments in a fascinating way. You as the violinist need to look out for the double stops, while the cello player should pay attention to playing a very clear tone on the 16th notes.

Violin and Cello Duets - Eight Duets, Opus 39 By Reinhold Moritzovich Gliere

Reinhold Glière – 8 Pieces, Op.39

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Jean Sibelius – Canon for Violin and Cello

A small composition that Sibelius probably composed for himself and his brother, who was a cellist. This piece was probably never performed in public during his lifetime. A beautiful canon that is not very difficult but is very interesting to learn.

Violin and Cello Duets - Sibelius - Canon for Violin and Cello

Sibelius – Canon for Violin and Cello

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Johann Sebastian Bach – 4 Duettos

Originally for the keyboard, the two hands can be separated into two instruments and there is a well-known arrangement for violin and cello. While Bach is never easy, these duos are good for intermediate students, especially those who would like to explore the Baroque repertoire in more depth. There are many quick notes, so remember to practice very slowly before speeding up.

Violin and Cello Duets - Bach - 4 Duettos

Johann Sebastian Bach – 4 Duettos

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Advanced Duos for Violin and Cello

The pieces in this section are probably the most well-known from the list and demand a full understanding of all techniques, as well as a lot of musicality.

Violin and Cello Duets

Joseph Haydn – String Duo in D major

A very interesting duo, Haydn’s string duo is an important part of the chamber music repertoire. A majestic adagio that needs a lot of elegance, a minuet that needs clear sound and knowledge of the different positions, and a very melodic allegro that requires a lot of finesse.

Violin and Cello Duets - Joseph Haydn - String Duo in D major

Joseph Haydn – String Duo in D major

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Maurice Ravel – Sonata for Violin and Cello

Maybe the most beautiful of all violin and cello duos, Maurice Ravel dedicated this sonata to Claude Debussy after his death. The influences of Debussy are maybe more than obvious, and that is part of the point. This is one for experienced players only.

Violin and Cello Duets - Maurice Ravel - Sonata for Violin and Cello

Maurice Ravel – Sonata for Violin and Cello

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Heitor Villa-Lobos – 2 Chôros Bis

Violin and Cello Duets - Heitor Villa-Lobos

This duet was intended as an encore in case one was required in a possible performance of Villa-Lobos’ Chôros collection. It got its own reputation, very deservingly. The first movement makes extensive use of the pentatonic scale (a type of scale that uses only five notes in an octave) while the second is richer in counterpoint. If you’re looking for an “alternative” repertoire piece, this one is for you! Unfortunately, for this piece, I am not able to share the sheet music with you at this moment.

Johannes Brahms – Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, Op.102

This is probably the best of the violin and cello duos – indeed, some say it’s the “holy grail” of such duos. The double concerto appeared in the Baroque era, shortly after the concerto, so several Baroque and classical composers have written in this form of composition. Concertos always need a great understanding of all techniques, as well as more musical abilities. This is the most challenging duet on the list, but I hope it will inspire you to learn the violin more and more!

Violin and Cello Duets - Johannes Brahms - Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, Op.102

Johannes Brahms – Concerto for Violin,
Cello and Orchestra, Op.102

Free Violin Sheet Music

PDF

Zoltán Kodály – Duo for Violin and Cello, Op.7

Kodály, along with Béla Bartók, was a pioneer in combining folk music with classical composition. They both extensively researched the Hungarian folksong. This piece is very heartfelt and lyrical, and I hope you enjoy it whether just listening to it or playing with your fellow cellist.

Violin and Cello Duets - Zoltán Kodály - Duo for Violin and Cello, Op.7

Zoltán Kodály – Duo for Violin and Cello, Op.7

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FAQ

Can you play cello music on the violin?

Cello music can be played on the violin only if it has been transposed from the bass clef to the treble clef, taking into account the range of these instruments. Change of the key signature might be also needed for easier fingering.

What do violins and cellos have in common?

Violin and cellos have several features in common: the overall shape of the instrument, they both have four strings, they are played with a bow, they do not have frets, and they are in the same family of instruments – the violin family or the bowed string family.

How can I practice a duet?

You should start practicing a duet by learning your own part, up to the point where you feel comfortable with the music. Then, together with your partner, you should start practicing the piece slowly. If synchronization is difficult, turn on a metronome. When it goes well, gradually increase the tempo.

It also helps to listen to other performances to get even more familiar with the music. Moreover, you can try reading the other player’s music to make sure you are synchronized.

Bonus tip: manage your volume when playing in a duet or a band

Violin and Cello Duets - band

You should not play so loud that you drown out your partner or band, but also do not play so quietly that they do the same to you. You have to learn how to balance your sound as a group that sounds as one. Normally, you should be able to hear everyone clearly, including yourself. Your instrument will always sound a bit louder since it is closer to your ear, but if you’re not hearing the other person at certain times, you might be playing too loud. To work on this, try recording yourselves and see how it sounds.

Which of the violin and cello duos is your favorite, and which would you love to try? What other type of duet would you like to listen to or play in? Please comment below – I’d love to know!

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