Elgar: Cello Concerto; Enigma Variations; Pomp & Circumstance

Jacqueline du Pre (Artist), Edward Elgar (Composer), Daniel Barenboim (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Philadelphia Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra
• Conductor: Daniel Barenboim
• Composer: Edward Elgar
• Audio CD (June 1, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Classical
• ASIN: B00000J7L1
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,421 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Du Pré's EMI recording of the concerto with Barbirolli is rightly treasured for its emotional power, but it's almost buttoned-down alongside this controversial live concert performance made five years later in Philadelphia. Here, she plays with extraordinary rhythmic freedom, pushing the emotional content of the score to its outer limits. This is one of those rare recordings in which you sense a spiritual merger between composer and performer, revealing inner meanings few can perceive from the notes on the page. Partnering this exciting performance is Barenboim's excellent reading of the Enigma Variations, one of the finest in the catalog. Tempos are spacious enough to allow for much telling detail, with enough forward thrust to keep the Elgarian juices flowing. Each variation is given its own character, and the whole is suffused with warmth and authority. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest of all recordings of this fine work, August 14, 1999

By 

Cyril Satorsky [e-mail] (Northampton, Mass.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elgar: Cello Concerto; Enigma Variations; Pomp & Circumstance (Audio CD)

In my opinion this particular recording is the very finest of all recordings of this work - although DuPre has also recorded this beautifully with Barberolli conducting. This recording with Barenboim is far and away the the most moving and passionate of all. I cannot imagine it bettered. This is the one maybe for all time.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intensely passionate - a must for every collector!, September 28, 2000

By 

P. Rah "prahcello" (Sion, Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elgar: Cello Concerto; Enigma Variations; Pomp & Circumstance (Audio CD)

This recording of the Elgar is the 2nd version made by du Pre, from 1970. It is one of the most intense readings one will ever hear. Whereas in her first recording, she fully captures the longing mood of the piece by weeping through her cello, in this recording she pierces the listener's heart by bluntly crying out what Elgar wanted to say so desperately:"It is over". I have myself sometimes been reduced to tears, as the emotional weight of this recording is too much to bear at times. It is a very highly strung recording, with maximum support from the Philadelphia Orchestra, who play with great inspiration (no doubt du Pre had a huge effect on the orchestra!). She used her then-new Peresson cello, which seems to match her iiiiiintense playing fully. One can hear some imperfections in some passages, loss of tone etc (could these have been an early signs of MS approaching?), but they are hardly noticeable. The recording quality is not the best, but it does not detract the musical quality in any way. If you do not have this recording yet, then I suggest you buy one as a matter of urgent priority. Buy it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most passionate classical recordings ever, March 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Elgar: Cello Concerto; Enigma Variations; Pomp & Circumstance (Audio CD)

This is a stunning recording. The depth of emotion with which Ms. Du Pre interprets this concerto is astonishing. I cannot think of a comparable live recording. She transcends the technical challenges of the piece in a way that allows her to push its emotional boundaries. You must hear this recording.