David Popper: Complete Transcriptions for Violoncello & Piano

Featuring

Martin Rummel
Mari Kato
Richard Wagner
Johan Svendsen
Jenö Hubay
Franz Schubert

Vincenzo Ciampi
Anton Rubinstein
Frédéric Chopin
Robert Schumann
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Adolf Jensen
Jenő Jámbor
Carlo Antonio Campioni
Henry Purcell
Tommaso Giordani
Luigi Cherubini
George Frideric Handel
Johann Sebastian Bach
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

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Recording & Production

This album is presented as the first complete recording of David Popper's transcriptions.

Composer's Artistic Vision

David Popper's modesty and knowledge of his instrument led him to compose almost exclusively for the cello, with his music reflecting sensitive emotion, skillful orchestration, and a sense of humor.

Cultural Impact

Popper's compositions were so popular among virtuosos of his era that George Bernard Shaw coined the term 'the inevitable Popper' in 1892.

Composer Biography

David Popper, though almost forgotten today except by cellists, had a reputation during his lifetime that rivaled figures like Joseph Joachim or Franz Liszt.

Instruments

During a guest appearance in St. Petersburg in 1883, David Popper played his Cello Concerto No. 2 on Carl Davidoff's Stradivarius cello, which was later owned by Jacqueline du Pré and Mstislav Rostropovich, and is currently played by Yo-Yo Ma.

Compositional Technique

Popper's transcriptions demonstrate a deep understanding of the cello and piano's instrumental advantages, using special effects like harmonics and double stops to enhance musical expression, not just for show.

Performer Biography

Cellist Martin Rummel, who describes himself as a 'Musician, cultural manager, academic, enjoying life', has released over 60 CD albums and is known for his musical rediscoveries and belief that content is more important than packaging.