A Survey for Solo Works for the Violoncello is a resource for cellists and non-cellists alike. Spanning the history of the cello through the lens of the pieces written for it, the reader will gain insight into the pieces, composers, and players that shaped the cello's destiny from its earliest entries to the current day. The book surveys the breadth of music written for the cello and is organized into three main genres of compositions: Unaccompanied Works, Works with Piano, and Works for Cello and Orchestra.

The reader will encounter, in great detail, 200 works from the Baroque to present day, including standard works and those that are lesser known. Recognized composers of cello music, such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Shostakovich, Kodaly, and Britten are, of course, present, but that only tells part of the story. This survey shines a light on composers and pieces not as well known that deserve their place in study and performance.