Popper - Adagio, Menuetto No. 2, and Polonaise No. 3, Op. 65 (Urtext Edition)

David Popper often published his works in sets, and Drei Stücke, Op. 65 appeared in three installments in 1891. Unlike collections such as the Spanish Dances or his various suites, which are united under a single descriptive title, Op. 65 was issued simply as Drei Stücke, with the individual titles listed together on the title page. The collection includes a dramatic Adagio, a graceful Menuetto No. 2, and a brilliant Polonaise No. 3, forming an effective recital group that moves from seriousness to charm to virtuosic display.

Each of the three works is dedicated to a different individual, a practice typical of Popper. The opening Adagio is dedicated to Alwin Schröder, best known today for his 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello and also the dedicatee of the first volume of Popper’s High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73. The light-hearted Menuetto No. 2 is dedicated to Siegmund Bürger, who performed Popper’s Requiem for Three Cellos and Orchestra with Popper and Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Grützmacher in 1892. The final Polonaise No. 3, dedicated to Rudolf André, continues the lineage of Popper’s earlier polonaises while leaning more toward the brilliance of Wieniawski and Chopin than the more symphonic character of some of Popper’s earlier dance works.

This edition is based on the first edition published jointly by Hofmeister and G. Schirmer. All editorial changes and deviations from the original text are indicated in the score.

These three pieces are well suited for advanced students and performers looking for expressive, varied, and technically rewarding recital repertoire. The set offers opportunities to develop dramatic pacing, Classical-style lightness, elegant dance character, brilliant passagework, and the refined virtuosity associated with Popper’s concert works.

ASTA level: 4–5