First issued in 1965, few recordings have lasted so well and, in the case of Sea Pictures , carried on getting better. Du Pré's account of the concerto, made when she was barely 20, made her a star overnight and remains the work with which she's most often identified. Her forceful, highly emotional performance won't be to all tastes or occasions, but it brings the work to life like few others. Not just the poignancy of the opening, or the aching nostalgia of the "Adagio", but the quicksilver brilliance of the "Scherzo" and cumulative energy of the finale are really made to tell. Barbirolli gives marvelous understanding support here and in Sea Pictures. It also established its soloist - Janet Baker, and remains the deepest and most perceptive recording this song-cycle is ever likely to have! Baker makes light of the sometimes gauche poetry and awkward word-setting, giving the music a sweep and nobility typical of Elgar at his best.
Richard Whitehouse
Richard Whitehouse
Listen to music samples
01. ELGAR – CELLO CONCERTO, SEA PICTURE | 02. ELGAR – CELLO CONCERTO, SEA PICTURE | 03. ELGAR – CELLO CONCERTO, SEA PICTURE |
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| 13. ELGAR – CELLO CONCERTO, SEA PICTURE |
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Must be part of every music lover's collection
Exalted, excellent, the best.
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Very Good!
I am not a classical music nut, but I do like some. This cello concerto is a wonderful piece, both Du Pre and the Orchestra are captured at their peak in this recording. I am astounded by the dynamic range that seems to leap out of the speakers on passages.
