This technique is where your bow changes string in either slurred or separate bowing. Sometimes we find passages difficult because of the string crossings alone, which can confuse the left hand. It’s a great technique to isolate in studies and practice.
Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 16 We enjoyed a bit of a change of pace with Popper 16. Marked “Capriccioso”, this study deals largely with issues of articulation, string crossings, playing triplets cleanly and in an organized fashion… and of course, making this work seem fun, effortless, carefree and full of delightful character. […]
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 18 We were delighted to work on Popper 18 with the fabulous Madeleine Kabat. We had so much fun with Madeleine, a self-proclaimed Popper nerd (she’s in good company). This is a tricky and long study focusing on thumb position technique, and lightness of stroke. It also includes
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 19 The Lohengrin étude takes a line from the famous Wagner opera and basically expands on the techniques required in the opera. It’s similar (but more difficult!) to Popper 1 in that we have triplet staccato notes throughout. It is important here to have a real connection with
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 20 This study is so satisfying to perform! It involves so many techniques all in the one place but sounds really beautiful. Legato shifting, legato string crossing without interrupting the line. Legato octaves and broken ones. The list goes on!
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 21 Here is our live discussion of Popper’s 21st study. It was a fun one! This focuses on bow legato, bow distribution, string crossings and shifting often in thumb position. Can each shift and string crossing stay smooth so that it doesn’t effect the legato sound? Interesting to
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 23 Popper 23 was our final étude of the year. In this video, we reflect on all that has made this project an awesome challenge. This study offers many different technical challenges and approaches. Bow legato, string crossings, bow distribution, quick changes of bow speed, shifting, octaves, unusual stretches
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 24 Christian Elliot (Irish Chamber Orchestra) came back for a second time with Popper 24, a beautiful and challenging study that explores a vast amount; thumb position, harmonics, developing the ear, string crossings, legato bowing and more.
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 25 We had a great time exploring Popper 25 which helps to strengthen our bow arm playing near the tip of the bow, as well as dotted rhythms and some tongue-twisters for the left hand. We hope you enjoy. Important to have a clear rhythmic impulse despite left
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 26 We found this one to be a real workout for the left hand as well as the bow as it explores different hand positions in thumb position. Legato bowing with plenty of shifting and string crossings to keep us challenged!
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Teaching Notes for Popper Cello Étude No. 28 We had SO much fun exploring Popper 28 this week with the amazing Joely, who inspired us to look at this study in totally new ways. Katie was a student of Joely’s and considers her a wonderful mentor and huge influence in her life. Join us as
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