Popper, David. (1843 - 1913)
Large Autograph Musical Quotation
Large AMQS from the influential Czech-Austrian cellist and composer. Six bars of an etude for cello alone, all double-stops and very difficult, and even including some fingerings. He has dated and very boldly signed "D. Popper". 7.75 x 10 inches, on a sheet of card stock, with a small portrait of Popper glued to the card at the bottom underneath the signature, fine. Autographs from Popper are uncommon.A student of Julius Goltermann, at age 25, Popper "secured the position of principal in the Vienna Hofoper and the Vienna PO (the youngest player to hold such a post) and later joined the Hellmesberger Quartet.In 1872 he married Liszt’s pupil Sophie Menter (daughter of the cellist Joseph Menter), with whom he also toured. Denied leave for his solo engagements, he resigned from the orchestra the following year. In 1886 his marriage was dissolved, and he was appointed by Liszt as professor at the National Hungarian Royal Acadamy of Music, where he established the cello and chamber music divisions. He remained until his death, having also served as a member of the Hubay Quartet. A cellist of superior technique and a warm, powerful tone, Popper was a champion of new music, and the composer of more than 75 works, mostly for his own instrument. His most important contribution is certainly the Hohe Schule des Violoncello-Spiels, a set of 40 studies that examine the positions of the left hand within a highly chromatic, Wagner-influenced setting. His concert music has enjoyed a revival, and has been the subject of several recordings." (9319)
AMQS Classical Music