Fifteen Easy Studies, opp. 76a, for cello (2nd cello ad lib.) by David Popper
- (Preparatory to 10 Grand Etudes, Op.76 and High School of Cello Playing, Op.76
Published by Kalmus
Prague-born cellist David Popper (1843-1913) was a leading virtuoso, chamber musician, and pedagogue of the cello of the nineteenth century. He was a prolific writer of music for the cello; he wrote numerous showpieces for the concert hall and salon, many of them extending the expressive range of the instrument. He is perhaps best-known for his cello methods, which are still widely used today.
Popper's landmark collection of studies ''High School of Cello Playing'', Op.73 is a standard method for advanced students, designed to expose students to important techniques found in major cello repertoire. Soon after he completed them, he embarked on two sets of studies to prepare for the rigors of the High School: first, the 10 Grand Etudes, Op.76, then the 15 Easy Studies designed for beginning-intermediate students and leading into the Grand Etudes. Popper also composed a 2nd cello part for Nos. 1-10 of the 15 Easy Studies, intended for a teacher to play with the student. This budget Kalmus edition of the 15 Easy Studies also contains a 2nd cello part for etudes 11-15, composed by Nikolaus Zsamboki. Intermediate level, grade 3.
