Other early editions: violin and piano (Ries & Erler, arr. F. Ries in A major)

David Popper composed four works titled Nocturne, all of which pay musical homage to Frédéric Chopin, the composer who perfected the genre. Popper himself transcribed Chopin’s Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2, a version that remains popular among cellists to this day.

Nocturne No. 3, Op. 42, in G major, follows a ternary (ABA) form. Popper’s Nocturne, Op. 22, also in G major, shares a similar lyrical character and style. Nocturne, Op. 42 was published by Ries & Erler (plate number R 1916 E) in 1882. The piano maintains a simple accompanimental role throughout, allowing the cello’s songlike lines to take prominence. In addition to the homage to Chopin, the melody carries a touch of Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words, both in its grace and emotional restraint.

The cello part includes occasional double stops and a passage of up-bow staccato, but is primarily lyrical and cantabile in character. The first edition was later reprinted by Wilhelm Hansen (plate number 8429).

(Excerpted from the preface of the Urtext edition published by Yuriy Leonovich)