Popper - Nocturne and Mazurka, Op. 32 (Urtext Edition)

David Popper’s Nocturne and Mazurka, Op. 32, bring together two genres closely associated with Frédéric Chopin. Popper composed four pieces titled Nocturne and six titled Mazurka, not including the Reigen movement from Im Walde. The Mazurka from Op. 32 reflects a distinctly Chopinesque style, while the Nocturne moves in a more individual direction. Dedicated to the German composer and virtuoso pianist Adolf von Henselt, the Nocturne may be heard as a kind of proto-Requiem, with rhythmic patterns, melodic contours, and harmonic language that anticipate elements of Popper’s later Requiem, Op. 66. Its simplicity and inward poetry give it a reflective, almost sacred character.

The form of the Nocturne resists simple classification, though rounded binary provides the closest description. A false return appears in E major before the main theme returns first in D major, then D minor, and finally in the tonic key of B-flat. The Mazurka, Popper’s third published work in the genre, is dedicated to Colonel Jean Palansky and follows a clearer ternary design. Its outer sections are simple and largely diatonic, while the contrasting middle section introduces a raised fourth scale degree. Several measures contain notation that suggests an acceleration within the bar, functioning almost like an early form of feathered notation.

This edition is based on the first edition published by D. Rahter in 1880, plate numbers 2099 and 2100. One clear error in the Nocturne has been corrected: in measure 29, the fourth note of the right hand, printed as a sixteenth note in the original, has been corrected to an eighth note. The solo cello line from the piano score and the separate part have been collated to present a more comprehensive and unified realization of the solo part. All other editorial changes and deviations from the source are indicated in the score.

Well-suited for lessons, recitals, and Romantic character-piece study, these works give cellists opportunities to develop lyrical expression, refined phrasing, harmonic sensitivity, dance character, rhythmic flexibility, and elegant salon-style playing.

ASTA level: 3–3.5