2Cellos is a Croatian cello duo consisting of Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser. Since their debut in 2011, they have built a reputation for reimagining popular rock and pop songs through the lens of classical strings, reaching audiences far beyond traditional concert halls. Their arrangements blend virtuosic cello technique with contemporary production, proving that the instrument thrives in unexpected musical contexts.
Why we love this
This arrangement takes Muse's defiant anthem and transforms it into something urgent and textural. Two cellos in dialogue create inherent drama without relying on distortion or overdrive, forcing players to generate intensity through rhythmic precision and dynamic control. It's a gateway piece for students who think classical training and modern music are separate worlds.
What to expect
Raw and propulsive. The piece captures Muse's original urgency while centering the cello's ability to sustain intensity through bow control and ensemble cohesion. There's an almost percussive quality to the articulation, yet the inherent lyricism of the instrument remains the emotional core.
Who it's for
Cello students at the intermediate to advanced level who are ready to expand beyond standard chamber repertoire. This works equally well for duos preparing for contemporary music festivals or for students building confidence in rhythm-driven performance contexts.
How to get the most out of it
Pay attention to rhythmic unison sections. Even a fraction of a beat's separation will undermine the driving pulse that makes this piece work.
Experiment with vibrato width in the sustained passages. Wider vibrato adds emotional weight; narrower vibrato keeps the sound lean and modern.
Treat articulation markings as integral to the arrangement's style. Staccatos and accents aren't decorative; they're what separate this from a traditional cello sonata.
Use the accompaniment track as a timeline anchor, not a crutch. Your intonation and phrasing should lead the dialogue.
How to use it
Pair this with other pop or rock arrangements to create a thematic concert section that challenges audience expectations of what a cello can do. Or position it as a standalone contemporary piece that demonstrates your program's range beyond standard classical fare.
Skills your students will build
Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
Dynamic contrast within sustained tones
Articulation clarity in modern musical contexts
Ensemble listening and intonation tuning with a partner
Stylistic interpretation beyond notated markings
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