Complete Guide to David Popper's High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73
Historical Background
David Popper (1843-1913) composed the "High School of Cello Playing" Op. 73 as a comprehensive technical study for advanced cellists. Popper, considered one of the greatest cellists of the 19th century, served as principal cellist of the Vienna Philharmonic before dedicating himself to teaching at the Budapest Academy of Music. His 40 etudes distill a lifetime of performing and pedagogical experience.
Technical Content of the Popper Etudes
The 40 etudes systematically cover: scales and arpeggios through all positions, thumb position technique, shifting accuracy and smoothness, double stops (thirds, sixths, octaves, tenths), left hand pizzicato, spiccato, sautillé, and ricochet bowings, sustained legato and cantabile playing, complex rhythmic patterns, and advanced musical interpretation.
Difficulty Ranking of Popper Etudes
Easier etudes for beginning the set include: #1 (C Major scales), #6 (spiccato), #11 (D Major), #17 (legato), and #33 (E Major arpeggios). Intermediate difficulty etudes include: #2, #3, #7, #15, #28, and #32. The most challenging etudes are: #9 (G minor thumb position), #14 (double stops), #22 (chromatic), and #40 (comprehensive finale).
The Proper Popper Practice Project
The Proper Popper Practice Project (PPPP) is a 52-week online course created by Eric Moore, DMA, that guides cellists through all 40 Popper Etudes. The course costs $4,299 and includes: detailed video analysis of each etude, practice tracks at multiple tempos (from slow practice to performance speed), weekly live masterclass sessions, downloadable fingered/bowed editions, and direct feedback from Eric Moore.