Search - Johannes Brahms, Fryderyk Chopin, Cesar Franck :: Brahms, Chopin & Franck: Cello Sonatas

Like the Brahms, Avoid the Chopin and Franck

James the Reviewer | New York, NY | 12/14/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Chopin and Franck recordings were made while Jacqueline duPre was ill and near the end of her life. As heroic as it may have been to make these recordings in that condition, the quality suffers. The Brahms sonatas are tighter; they have the usual Jacqueline duPre warmth to the sound, and they are much better. If it comes down to buying this album or one with just the Brahms, and there is a price reason to choose the Brahms, I'd pass on this one. But if you can get this compilation for the same price as just the Brahms sonatas, you might as well, unless you don't want any subpar recordings in your collection."

Not highly recommended

Paul Wiese | Vacaville, California, US | 09/09/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I found two problems with this album. First, it was recorded in the late '60's, and the sound quality is adequate, but not great. Also, while the Brahms was recorded when duPre was still playing well, you can tell on the Chopin and Franck that she has sadly lost some of her skills. I think you can do better."

Very Moving

Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 06/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always been a fan of Du Pre, particularly her huge, husky sound (which I think is spectacularly showcased on the Brahms pieces).



I will admit that the Franck sounds a bit labored at times (compared to, say, the much leaner rendition by Muller-Schott, among others), but I can't help but be moved by this recording. Knowing this was recorded near the end of her career, I always think about the mixture of sadness (at losing her ability to play, among other things) and joy (at still being able to share this musical moment with her husband, who is her pianist) she must have felt. I love the Franck, especially the last movement, which seems to express a similar mixture of sadness, longing, and outright joy. I can't imagine a better vessel for expressing what she must have been feeling at that particular time.



I'm normally one to judge a piece purely on the end product (without considering the circumstances under which it was played or recorded), but something about this recording just touches me. To paraphrase Alec Baldwin from 30 Rock, if you have "two ears and a heart", this recording is a must hear."