Techniques in David Popper's Hohe Schule des Violoncello-Spiels, op. 73

Virtuoso cellist, pedagogue and composer, David Popper was an instrumental figure in the development of cello technique in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Popper's technical principles and innovations are laid down in his monumental work the Hohe Schule des Violoncello-Spiels. Certainly his greatest contribution, these forty immensely challenging and musically-rewarding etudes are now studied all over the world. A thorough understanding of the many techniques required in these etudes, as well as effective practice methods, are crucial for a cellist's development of technical skills. These techniques and practice methods have been somewhat overlooked in the available literature. Previous discussions focus on only one or two techniques for each etude, however these etudes require many more techniques than have been acknowledged. These techniques are common to all members of the violin family and can be applied to any repertoire requiring these techniques.