Harp + One (Cello)

Did you know Harp Column Music offers duo music for a wide variety of instruments with harp? Our Harp + One series brings you the best pieces to play with a friend. This blog features duets for harp and cello.

(Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.)

*Le Cygne

arr. Jacqueline Pollauf

What kind of harp and cello repertoire list would this be if we didn’t start with the quintessential duet for this ensemble? “Le Cygne” (“The Swan”) by Camille Saint-Saëns is from Le Carnaval des Animaux. It has become a must-have piece for cellists and harpists to learn. I especially love that Jacqueline Pollauf has arranged it to be accessible for both lever and pedal harpists.

*Cranford Theme

arr. Star Edwards

I never expected to love a TV show theme as much as this one. When I played it as prelude music at a wedding, the cellist and I couldn’t stop smiling—we were completely delighted by the melodies. Star Edwards’ arrangement is also wonderfully easy to read.

*Dangerous Waters

by Diana Stork

I love this unique piece by Diana Stork—it has such a cool vibe! With interlocking rhythms and a blend of Classical, Celtic, Latin, and African influences, it’s both dynamic and captivating.

*The Old Rugged Cross

arr. Heidi Stedman

Heidi Stedman’s arrangement of George Bennard’s beautiful hymn is simple yet lovely. The cellist carries the melody while the harp accompanies with arpeggios, harmonies, and counter melodies. 

*Promenade à l’automne

edited by Carl Swanson

I love seeing substantial classical works adapted for lever harpists, and this piece by Marcel Tournier is a perfect example. Rich and fulfilling to play, it’s not overly demanding and makes a wonderful addition to any concert program. Pedal harpists can use this version.

*Mon Souffle

by Megan Metheney

This fascinating piece by Megan Metheney is full of surprises, incorporating percussive effects like knocking on both the harp and cello. It keeps you guessing at every turn, making it an exciting challenge—just be prepared for some intricate coordination!

Chanson de Mai

arr. Angela Klöhn

Hasselman’s harp classic has been reimagined for harp and cello by Angela Klöhn and it’s absolutely beautiful! Klöhn includes arrangements in two different keys: D-flat major (the original key) and C major (easier for the solo instrument).

Spanish Serenade

arr. Serena O’Meara

Changing gears to something a little more upbeat, Rudolf Friml’s “Spanish Serenade” is a fun and lively addition to the harp and cello repertoire. Its dance-like melody has a certain charm to it, making it fun to play and listen to.

Fantasia on “Auld Robin Gray”

edited by Silke Aichorn

This piece is a fantasia on a Scottish ballad, set to a poem that tells a tale of love and tragedy. The cello’s sweeping melodies beautifully convey the emotion of the story, filled with romance and passion in Silke Aichorn’s edition of Charles Oberthür’s work.

Serenade

by Michael Kurek

From the opening measure of this piece by Michael Kurek, I was hooked. Written in the traditional Romantic style, “the piece begins with the introduction of two themes which are then developed and intermingled freely in the manner of a fantasia,” says the composer. I love that the harp shares the spotlight just as much as the cello in this chamber work.

“Pas de Deux”

arr. Grace Browning & Benjamin Krug

Tchaikovsky’s dazzling Nutcracker ballet melody is more than just a holiday favorite–it’s a beautiful choice for weddings, events, and concerts. Arranger Grace Browning notes that this arrangement “utilizes the full spectrum of the cello’s lyricism while highlighting the virtuosity of the harp.”

Selections from España

arr. Maurice Draughn

What a fun collection of Issac Albéniz’ music! Maurice Draughn has arranged three movements from the beloved España suite: “Preludio,” “Malagueña”,” and “Zortzico.”