Elgar: Cello Concerto, Op.85, Enigma Variations

This is probably the version that Jacqueline Du Pre was happiest with. It is reported that after listening to the earlier recording with Sir John Barbarolli, she left extremely upset believing that the performance she made was not what she had intended or hoped for. I feel there is more emotional energy in this. Have both to compare. My preference is three others. Paul Tortellier, Andre Navarra and Julian Lloyd-Webber.

That's a wonderful performance at Jacqueline last live recording (Last public performance at 1973 with her best friend Zubin Mehta) before her illness, but the orchestra sound not much better due to engineer setting or Stage effect? I'm highly recommended to collect this record to compared with EMI version, you can feel the difference between transparent feeling and superior skills.

Of all Elgar recordings by Du Pre, this live recording is no doubt the most deeply moving one. The slow movement is probably the slowest interpretation, yet it never loses tension as she gives everything to express the heart-breakingly poignant Elgarian longing. Despite the almost fierce outpouring of emotion, this performance never gives an impression of vulgar sentimentalism, as the sheer depth of music making transcends everything else!Barenboim's account of Enigma is equally great recording. No over-emotionality here, yet full of grace, magical moments and noble beauty presented in Wagnerian grandeur. The famous Nimrod is played most beautifully.

Du Pre's Elgar is rightly considered one of the all-time great accounts. The Adagio in particular is simply gorgeous: full of yearning and barely-controlled emotional intensity. Be warned, though, that this version has the excitement and the irritation of a recorded live performance. There is quite a bit of decidedly audible coughing, very obtrusive in the quieter section, that might mar your enjoyment.

The cello concerto by Elgar: full of pathos and passion, and Miss Dupre captures it and delivers it. What a loss her untimely demise was to the music world.

This recording shows just why these two people were not only soul-mates, but the greatest interpreters of Elgar's Music ever. Five Stars.

A superb recording from two musicians who show such great empathy with the musuc and each other

Brilliant to be able to get this iconic recording so quickly. Thank you.