Elgar & Delius Cello Concertos – Jacqueline Du Pré

Jacqueline du Pre’s recording of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Sir John Barbirolli conducting the London Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as the definitive recording of the Elgar, the one against which all others are measured. Du Pre’s career was cut tragically short by Multiple Sclerosis, forcing her to quit performing in 1973. She died in 1987 at age 42. She was married to the famous conductor/pianist Daniel Barenboim. Du Pre was known for her aggressive playing style and flawless technique. Thanks in large measure to EMI, there are a goodly number of du Pre recordings still in circulation, some of which feature both du Pre and Barenboim. The EMI recordings are being reviewed here lives up to Du Pre’s advance billing as one of the most stunningly gifted musical artists of our time, and it showcases the Elgar, as, indeed it should. There is a reason this performance is famous. Du Pre’s Elgar is one of those rare performances that you can listen to a thousand times and never tire of it, a truly wonderful listening experience. Not adding this album to your library would be a major omission.