Cello Concerto No. 1

Year of Composition: 
1865
Opus Number: 
08
Dedicatee: 
Julius Goltermann
Original Publisher: 
André. August 1871, orch. January 1872

Popper's first published concerto was dedicated to Julius Goltermann (erroneously attributed to Georg Golterman by De'ak). Popper premiered his first concerto in Löwenberg in December 1865. The “Neue Zeitschrift für Musik” notes: “We mention an original new work, performed here for the first time – the Violoncello Concerto in D Minor (Op. 8), composed by Herr Popper. We are pleased to discover that, unlike most cello concertos, it avoids a potpourri-like style, moving forward and bringing unity to the work. Although he has not quite mastered the form or achieved a full homogenous style, the concerto offers much that is piquet and effective in ideas and in instrumentation. Re: Herr Popper’s playing – nothing more could be desired …”

1. Frisch und feurig
2. Andante maestoso
3. Lebhaft, quasi Recit. - Tempo di Polacca

First Edition: André. vc/pf and orch. plate 10261