Search - Antonin Dvorak, Franz Joseph Haydn, Edward Elgar :: Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration

Amazing

badric | 02/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jacqueline Du Pré was an amazing performer. Her career was tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis, but she had many opportunities to demonstrate that she was one of the finest musicians of the 20th century. This compilation is a wonderful sample of her many talents, both in big symphonic works and in intimate chamber pieces.The first CD consists of cello concertos and includes the two recordings that Du Pré is best remembered for: Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major and Elgar's Cello Concerto in C minor. The Haydn concerto is a beautifully flowing piece that allows Du Pré to show her amazing technique and almost childlike fascination with music, while the Elgar concerto is a very poignant, almost tragic piece where she gives way to some of her most passionate and temperamental playing. The second CD is entirely devoted to chamber music and includes many lesser known pieces of the cello repertoire.Jacqueline Du Pré's playing is always lyrical, temperamental, passionate and energetic. She had the ability to make the cello sound like a human voice and she constantly avoided conventionalisms. Almost 60 years after her birth she still remains a force to be reckoned with."

99% perspiration

Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 11/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(4.5/5 stars) This is a two-disc collection of musical works, in which the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre plays. The first disc consists of three cello concerti by three different composers: Dvorak (Romantic), Haydn (Classical) and Elgar (Romantic). Very good music, though it might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Not to worry: just pop in Disc Two to find out. The second disc contains shorter works by a wider variety of composers. It also might just leave you breathless by its beauty. Saint-Säens' "The Swan" (from "Carnival of the Animals") is nearly indescribable in its elegance, with du Pre's cello dancing with a harp. This haunting recording should not be missed. Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" is magnificently gorgeous as well. Three fantasy pieces from Schumann, one of Mendelssohn's "Lieder Ohne Wörter" and a stunning Brahms sonata infuse this collection with genuine grace. Since these were recorded prior to the advent of digital recordings, you might hear a very slight hiss on some of the recordings. This is barely audible and really does not detract from the pleasure of listening to it. Each disc runs 75 minutes, making this inspiration last long indeed."

Ma Du Pre- The Greatest

MR WT MAKHATHINI | Durban, South Africa | 11/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this from Amazon last few months back & never had time to review it. I must say it blew me away especially the Elgar Cello op.85 with Sir John Barbirolli. I could not listen to anything else for a while.The Dvorak Cello has got only one movement the 1st one.One might wanna hear Mstislav Rostropovich with Karajan 1969 record on that movement. Du Pre & the Master are at equal in that movement.Haydin Cello is also very nice with Du pre playfully phraising.But the Elgar Cello surpases everthing else here.The 1st movement "Adagio-Moderato" is so warm soaring as Du Pre reveals all emotions of a a very sad composer.The last movement "Allegro,ma non troppo" is my best in this CD right towards the end just after 8:55 min. listen attentively to the cello...wow! unbelievable emotions u actually feel the music it takes your mind to another world. The 2nd CD consists of recitals. I liked it the most because of short encores.Schuman's three fantasy pieces are just magnificent esp.the 3rd one.Beethoven Trio is also great.Brahms composition i like it very much Du Pre is a little rough, robust i.e very lush just the way I like the cello to sound.Manuel de Falla's "joto" really takes your mind to Spanish landscapes cant mistake that sound.Bach Adagio, Bruch, Faure & other compositions deserve a mention overall this is a great collection even though die hard fans might be left craving for more & would rather prefer complete works from this magnificent artist.This CD is a great start for those who do not know the music of Ma du Pre.Actually this is the real "Hilary & Jackie"soundtrack from the movie.I would also recommend that you purchase the DVD "Portrait of....".One wonders what would have happened if Du Pre had not passed away.I think she would have extended the cello capabilities to infinite possibilities surely many people agree do you?"