1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Bach wrote six cello suites that are considered some of the most important and influential pieces for the instrument.
2. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Beethoven composed several works for the cello, including five cello sonatas and a triple concerto for piano, cello, and violin.
3. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Chopin wrote a sonata for cello and piano, as well as several shorter pieces for the instrument.
4. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Tchaikovsky composed a Rococo Variations for cello and orchestra, which is a popular concert piece.
5. Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Debussy wrote a sonata for cello and piano, as well as several shorter pieces for the instrument.
6. Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): Britten composed several works for the cello, including a sonata, a concerto, and a suite.
7. György Ligeti (1923-2006): Ligeti wrote a sonata for solo cello, as well as several other pieces for the instrument.
8. John Williams (b. 1932): Williams has composed several film scores that feature prominent cello parts, including "Schindler's List" and "Jurassic Park".