Practice Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 40
Popper 40 – as the last in the set, this is surprisingly not the most difficult of Popper’s collection of études but rather a very specialized study in natural harmonics. We were delighted to approach this study as it gives our thumb chops some time off! We discuss how to allow each harmonic to sing with left hand and bow placement, how to approach those fast paced shifts and the challenges in starting with the finger weight down on a real note and the transfer to no weight for the natural harmonic note. Take care to be super rhythmic throughout despite the fast nature of some of the runs. Enjoy!