David Popper was a Czech cellist, virtuoso, composer and music educator, and a professor at the Budapest Conservatory. He was born in Prague on June 18, 1843, into a Jewish family. His father, Anselm (Angelus) Popper, was the chief cantor of the Zikánov Synagogue in Josefov. Popper graduated from the Prague Conservatory in 1861, where he studied with Julius Goltermann.
Popper made his first concert tour in Germany in 1863, where Hans von Bülow praised his playing. His performances soon brought him international recognition. In 1872, he married pianist Sofia Menter, a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory; they toured Germany, England, France and Russia, and their concerts were successful. Their daughter Celeste was born in 1876. Popper later married Olga Löbl in 1886; their son Leo became an art historian.
Popper wrote concertos, chamber and salon works, études and educational material for the cello. His compositions include two cello concertos, a concert polonaise, a suite for two cellos, a Tarantella for cello and piano, and 45 Studies for Solo Cello. He also wrote a cello method, Advanced School of Cello Playing. Many of his works continue to be performed.