Popper - Tarantella, Op. 33 (Urtext Edition)
David Popper composed three tarantellas: Opp. 33, 57, and 64, No. 2. His first, the Tarantella in G major, Op. 33, remains a staple of the cello repertoire and is often studied by advancing students. Despite its popularity Read more
David Popper composed three tarantellas: Opp. 33, 57, and 64, No. 2. His first, the Tarantella in G major, Op. 33, remains a staple of the cello repertoire and is often studied by advancing students. Despite its popularity among younger players, the work is deceptively difficult, requiring fluency in rapid shifts, string crossings, repeated-note figures, and advanced bowing technique.
The Tarantella was published under the German spelling Tarantelle by D. Rahter in 1880, plate number 2101. It was later orchestrated by Paul Gilson, not by Popper himself, and published in 1902. Rahter also issued several early arrangements, including versions for piano four hands by Kleinmichel, piano solo by Biehl, and violin and piano by Jenő Hubay. The work is dedicated to Jan Seifert, known in Russia as Ivan Ivanovich Zeyfert, a cellist, teacher, professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, and director of the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Society.
Structurally, the piece combines elements of rondo and ternary form. The opening piano “tutti” presents the head motive of the first solo cello melody, though that melody does not return after its initial statement. Instead, the repeated-note figure that follows becomes the work’s central rhythmic and thematic anchor. The contrasting C-major section provides lyrical relief before the return to G major, where the reprise also functions as a coda. Popper’s former student Stephen Deák preserves a memorable anecdote about another pupil, Földessy, after a performance of the work: “Yes, he is developing constantly. Recently, he was able to play my Tarantella in only two and a half minutes!”
This edition is based on the first edition published by D. Rahter. The separate cello part and the cello line from the piano score have been collated to present a more comprehensive and unified realization of the solo cello part. All editorial changes and deviations from the original text are indicated in the score.
Best suited for advancing and advanced cellists, Tarantella is an effective recital, audition, competition, or encore piece. It offers excellent study in brilliant Romantic character, bow control, string crossings, quick shifts, repeated-note articulation, rhythmic drive, and the lightness needed to bring Popper’s virtuoso style to life.
ASTA level: 5