David Popper: Works for Cello and Piano, Vol. 1

For almost 20 years, Martin Rummel has been praised worldwide for his recordings of the works of cellist David Popper (1843–1913). After the Etudes, Suites and Cello Concertos, he now presents, together with pianist Mari Kato, the first part of his planned complete recording of the works for cello and piano. On this album, in addition to a few already popular works such as the Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68, there is evidence of Popper's own extensive concert activity in the form of music incluenced by Spanish, Scottish, Venetian, Little Russian and Oriental folk music in addition to Hungarian. Rummel's warm cello tone helps give this music its distinctive charm, the effect of which is the same today as that which Popper's music had on late 19th century audiences. Even the lesser-known works on this album, for example the charming Scottish Fantasy, Op. 71, deserve the same place in the standard repertoire as Popper's hits that are still popular today - Martin Rummel and Mari Kato provide convincing arguments for this to happen.