David Popper composed four works titled Nocturne, all of which pay musical homage to Frédéric Chopin, the composer who perfected the genre. Popper himself transcribed Chopin’s Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2, a version that remains popular among cellists to this day.

Nocturne No. 3, Op. 42, in G major, follows a ternary (ABA) form. Popper’s Nocturne, Op. 22, also in G major, shares a similar lyrical character and style. Nocturne, Op. 42, was published by Ries & Erler (plate number R 1916 E) in 1882. The first edition was later reprinted by Wilhelm Hansen (plate number 8429).

The piano maintains a simple accompanimental role throughout, allowing the cello’s songlike lines to take prominence. In addition to the homage to Chopin, the melody carries a touch of Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words, both in its grace and emotional restraint. The cello part includes occasional double stops and a passage of up-bow staccato, but is primarily lyrical and cantabile in character. 

This Nocturne was dedicated to the French cellist Jules Delsart (1844–1900), best remembered for his celebrated transcription of César Franck’s Violin Sonata for cello. Delsart was an active arranger and an important figure in the French cello school. He was also the dedicatee of Léon Boëllmann’s Sonata, Op. 40, Marie Jaëll’s Cello Concerto, Camille Saint-Saëns’s Chant Saphique, among other works that attest to his prominence and influence among French composers of the period.

This edition is based on the original Ries & Erler publication. Any deviations from the source are indicated with editorial markings.