Popper - Polonaise de Concert, Op. 14 (Urtext Edition)

David Popper’s Polonaise de Concert, Op. 14, was one of his earliest successes as a composer. Published by Bartholf Senff in Leipzig in 1878, likely released in late 1877, the work shows Popper’s growing command of the virtuoso cello idiom and his affinity for brilliant short forms popularized by composers of the preceding generation. Both in title and in certain musical gestures, the piece clearly alludes to Henryk Wieniawski’s Polonaise de Concert, Op. 4, published in 1853.

This is the first of Popper’s three works in the polonaise genre, followed by the Polonaise de Concert in F major, Op. 28, and Polonaise No. 3 in D major, Op. 65, No. 3. Op. 14 is cast in ternary form. The opening D-minor section is divided into two large, self-contained parts. After the cadenza, Popper introduces what seems almost like a new beginning, though only the first part of the opening section returns in the recapitulation. The contrasting B-flat major middle section includes both lyrical and virtuosic material, with the latter portion functioning as a retransition back to D minor while foreshadowing thematic material that would later appear in Op. 28. The return of the first theme leads to a brilliant coda with arpeggios and scales in octaves, bringing the work to an exuberant close.

This edition is based on the first edition published by Bartholf Senff, plate number 1304. All editorial additions and deviations from the original text are indicated in the score.

Best suited for advanced cellists, Polonaise de Concert is an effective recital or competition piece for players looking for a brilliant Romantic showpiece beyond the most familiar standards. It offers opportunities to develop dance character, virtuoso passagework, cadenzas, arpeggios, octave scales, dramatic pacing, and a commanding concert style.

ASTA level: 4