Popper: Etudes for Cello, Op. 76

Featuring

Martin Rummel
Sebastian Hartung
David Popper

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Cultural Impact

David Popper's etude collections, including those on this recording, have remained standard repertoire for young cellists to the present day.

Compositional Technique

The Fifteen Easy Melodic-Harmonic Etudes by David Popper are designed for 'First position, with ad libitum accompaniment for a second cello', with parts designated for 'The Pupil' and 'The Teacher'.

Composer Biography

Popper's career included roles as a soloist, orchestral musician (principal cellist of the Vienna Court Opera Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic), and later a pedagogue and chamber musician.

Historical Context

The cello as a solo instrument experienced a 'boom' in the second half of the 19th century, with many popular pieces, including some by Popper, being demanded by audiences.

Composition History

The two collections on this recording, David Popper's Etudes for Cello, Op. 76, were added in 1907 and 1908 as preparation for his larger work, the High School of Violoncello Playing, Op. 73.

Performer Biography

Martin Rummel, the cellist on this recording, describes himself as a 'Musician, cultural manager, academic, enjoying life' and has released over 50 CD albums.

Composer Biography

David Popper, born in Prague in 1843, is considered one of the most outstanding cellists of all time and was world-famous as a soloist during his lifetime.