Popper (orch. Leonovich) - Popperiana Suite (Orchestra Score)

There are a few works across musical history that bear the suffix “-ana,” such as Chopiniana and Paganiniana, each serving as an homage to a particular composer. After orchestrating Popper’s Spanish Dances, I was inspired to continue exploring his music in orchestral form. Glazunov’s Chopiniana, a brilliant orchestral suite built from several Chopin piano works, suggested the model. Popperiana was conceived as an analogous tribute to David Popper: a suite celebrating his style, spirit, melodic invention, and extraordinary understanding of the cello.

For this suite, I selected five pieces that capture different facets of Popper’s artistry: Polonaise, Mazurka, Nocturne, Humoreske, and Tarantella. As in Glazunov’s model, most of the selected works share familiar genre titles, though these are generally the second examples of each type in Popper’s output. Less frequently performed than their more famous counterparts, they are no less brilliant or inspired. The Polonaise in F major, Op. 28, is the most festive of Popper’s three polonaises, full of ceremonial grandeur and trumpet-like fanfares. The Mazurka in D minor, Op. 12, is the most serious and extended of his mazurkas. The Nocturne in B-flat major, Op. 32, No. 1, has an inward, almost sacred quality and may be heard as a kind of proto-Requiem. The Humoreske in F major, Op. 11, No. 2, brings a lighter, more chamber-like character, while the Tarantella in D major, Op. 57, provides a brilliant and expansive close.

Each movement is based on Popper’s first edition, and the solo cello part may therefore be considered Urtext. The orchestration was conceived in Popper’s style, using an ensemble typical of his era and taste: 2 flutes, with the second doubling piccolo; 2 oboes; 2 clarinets; 2 bassoons; 2 French horns; 2 trumpets; timpani; triangle; and strings. It is my hope that Popperiana will help bring renewed attention to Popper’s music in orchestral form, allowing modern listeners to experience more fully its brilliance, warmth, lyric beauty, and expressive depth.

This set includes the orchestra score. The solo part and orchestra parts are sold separately. The orchestra parts are available here: https://yuriyleonovich.com/product/1159219-popper-orch-leonovich-popperiana-suite-parts

Best suited for intermediate to advanced cellists, Popperiana offers a substantial and varied concert work with orchestral accompaniment. It provides opportunities to explore Romantic dance character, lyrical expression, brilliant passagework, chamber-like dialogue with the ensemble, and the full range of Popper’s distinctive cello writing.

ASTA level: 3–4