JACQUELINE DU PRE (Stereo/Mono†)

                                               

Elgar: Cello Concerto*

Priaulx Rainier: Cello Concerto**

Rubbra: Cello Sonata in G minor†

 

Jacqueline du Pré - cello

Iris du Pré - piano

BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sir Malcolm Sargent* / Norman del Mar**

 

Recorded: Royal Albert Hall, London, 3 September 1964 (Elgar, Rainier)

Cheltenham Festival, 6 July 1962 (Rubbra)

 

The CD showcases Jacqueline du Pré whose recordings, notably of the Elgar Cello Concerto, are still major sellers in every market around the world.

 

This BBC Legends release features one of her live performances of the Elgar at the 1964 London 'Proms' made six months prior to her commercial studio recording.

 

The release also comprises two Du Pré performances which are totally new to her discography - the world premiere of the South African born Priaulx Rainier's Cello Concerto (from the same concert as the Elgar) and Edmund Rubbra's Cello Sonata in G minor from the Cheltenham Festival in 1962. Rubbra dedicated his cello sonata to William Pleeth, Du Pré's cello teacher.

 

This CD recorded in excellent stereo (the Rubbra is mono) is a  'must have' purchase for the many Jacqueline du Pré fans in addition to hearing her in English music as well as in two works she never recorded before.

 

Reviews of BBCL41562:

“Du Pré and Dvorak live: a great cellist captured at her most spontaneous.”(Gramophone)

“Du Pré’s reading must count as one of the most richly nostalgic ever captured on disc…this CD is eminently recommendable for admirers of this remarkable artist…” (BBC Music Magazine)

“The sound is typical BBC, full range, rich and colourful, and the Editor’s booklet notes are affectionate and illuminating.” (Classic Record Collector)

 

BBC Legends BBCL42442