David Popper

Elfentanz for Cello op. 39

David Popper (1843-1913) composed Elfentanz (Dance of the Elves), Op. 39 in 1881 during the height of his career as one of Europe's foremost virtuoso cellists. Scored for cello and orchestra (with the composer's own piano reduction also published), the dazzling concert piece belongs to the Romantic tradition of brilliant instrumental showpieces, transforming the image of playful, ethereal elves into an exhilarating display of perpetual motion. Popper combines sparkling spiccato bowing, rapid passagework, soaring harmonics, and excursions into the cello's highest register with an infectious lyricism that reflects both his mastery of the instrument and the nineteenth-century fascination with fairy-tale subjects. The work quickly became a favorite vehicle for the composer in his concert appearances. Today, Elfentanz stands as one of the undisputed classics of the cello repertoire, appearing regularly in recitals, competitions, auditions, and encore performances. Its combination of technical brilliance and musical charm has made it one of Popper's best-known compositions and a benchmark of Romantic cello virtuosity. Instrumentation: 2(2nd dPicc).2.2.2: 2.0.0.0: Perc(1): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Cello in set. Reprint edition.