Popper, David - Wie einst in schöner'n Tagen - Op. 64 No. 1, for two cellos

The Three Pieces, Op. 64, by bohemian cellist David Popper (1843—1913), for cello and piano, are among the most appreciated by young cellists, given their relative simplicity. They are made up of a song remembering the old days (No. 1), a tarantella (No. 2), and a lullaby (No. 3).

Following the successful performance of my arrangement for two cellos realised for a student of mine in 2021 of No. 1, I have now resolved to sharing this with the world.

Arranging piano parts for a single instrument is always going to be a compromise, but Popper’s use of the piano in short pieces is usually light enough to make the result convincing.

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed arranging and performing it.

This edition is made up of a single document [10pp.] containing both the score and the two cello parts. The solo cello part contains fingering and bowing suggestions by the composer, while the second cello contains my own suggestions.