Dmitri Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 126, was composed in 1966 and is a major work for cello and orchestra in three movements, lasting about 33–36 minutes. The second and third movements are performed without a pause, giving the piece a clear forward drive and a strong sense of continuity.

The concerto opens with the solo cello alone and develops through a distinctive blend of lyrical writing, tension, and sharp orchestral color. Shostakovich uses unusual instrumental combinations, prominent percussion, and shifting contrasts between reflective, sardonic, and forceful passages, making this a compelling and rewarding score for performance.