Great Recordings - Jacqueline Du Pré, Elgar Cello Concerto
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Jacqueline Du Pré was an extra-ordinarilly gifted cello player. A pioneer, a genius whose legacy lives on today. In this video I look at her life examine her seminal recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto with The London Symphony Orchestra, with Sir John Barbirolli conducting.
Link to Spotify Recording: open.spotify.c...
Link to live recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto, conducted by her husband, Daniel Barenboim: • Jacqueline du Pre & Da...
Link to Jacqueline Du Pré's performance of Max Bruch's Kol Nidre, Op. 47. Recorded on July 15, 1962, at Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London. Accompanied by Gerald Moore on piano. : On RUclips: • Kol Nidrei, Op. 47
On Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Orchestral version: RUclips: • Jacqueline Du Pré - Br...
Dvorak Cello concerto: • Jacqueline du Pré - Dv...
Elgar Cello Concerto:
Adagio - Moderato (approx. 8:00)
Lento - Allegro molto (approx. 4:30)
Adagio (approx. 4:50)
Allegro - Moderato - Allegro, ma non-troppo - Poco più lento - Adagio (approx. 11:30)
Scored for: solo cello, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in A, 2 bassoons, 4 horns in F, 2 trumpets in C, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, and strings. 
Хобби
I never get tired of hearing about Jaqueline Dupré! She is very fascinating person! Thank you 🌹
You are welcome!
Her rendition of this piece with Sir John Barbirolli is by far much better that the recording she did with Daniel Barenboim...
I love the series. Your Daft Punk episode sent me down a rabbit hole and gave me a new appreciation for the robots. Keep the great insight coming!
Thank you!
Same here...I immediately ordered the LP and have been listening to RAM almost non-stop. Now I am scouring the internet for Jacqueline du Pre!
I also explored the daft punk album after his review. I especially like the advice of playing an album in the background and get used to the songs. Then after a few rounds, sit down, turn it up and really soak it all in !!
As great as Ms. DuPre’s recording of the Elgar is on this famous recording, I am a “Side B” fan of the Sea Pictures recording with the incomparable Dame Janet Baker. My first hearing of this masterpiece was a intense emotional experience for me, perhaps heightened by the warmth of the Dame Janet’s voice and her fabulous diction. What a pairing on this album, a true win-win for music lovers everywhere.
Absolutely! Have you heard her ‘Shepherd on a rock’ with Jack Bruner on clarinet? It’s one of the highs of music anywhere in my opinion.
Janet Baker's recording of the Sea Pictures is breathtaking, I agree.
Thank You,
I learned much more of Jacqueline and the most magnificent instrument. The explanation of the album will be repeated often.
Me Cellohead
You're very welcome!
Sir wonderful story about a great artest .I have the record one of my favorites her playing the Elgar just heaven.thank you for this video.
You’re very welcome. Best wishes, H
I saw her perform this at the Royal Festival Hall in the mid 1960s. Still remember it.
That must have been very special
@@PearlAcoustics Thank you.
In my early, or mid, teens I was taken to concerts by my parents. I saw Klemperer and Guilini conduct.
Jacqueline du Pré was just becoming known so there was a bit of excitement around the performance. I remember seeing a tiny blonde figure with a relatively large cello. A wonderful performance. I do have this recording.
A fantastic and moving tribute to this cello genius. Bravo!
Thank you!
Brilliant presentation, Sir
Thank you Dave, very kind!
OMG, what a music. So fantastic and with your story it's so personal. Thank you so much. Just heard it with Tidal and was blown away.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
What a superb show. Thank you.
Thank you!
Brilliant sir wonderful thank you cheers.
You’re very welcome
Beautiful hommage to a great musician. Thoroughly enjoyed listening.
Thank you! Much appreciated
Sounds amazing indeed. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the wealth of information and exposure to recordings I'm not familiar with...very much appreciated!
You’re very welcome. So glad you appreciate them
🤗 THANKS HARLEY …FOR A LOVELY STORY 🤗
AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR DIGRESSION …ADDING TO THE STORY 🤗😍😍😍
My pleasure 😊 Thank you
Another great and educational video. Thank you.
Thank you Mark!
I have enjoyed the Dupre recordings for many years. Our heritage will live forever ❤
Just excellent storytelling!! I thouroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to other episodes. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks Gijs! Much appreciated
Thank you for your deep and enjoyable telling of this piece of music. Spoken with such thought and understanding. I've seen her playing this on tv (in black and white) and was deeply moved. Thank for the lovely videos.
So glad you appreciate them.
I learned something today. Thank You.
you're very welcome. Thank you!
Wow, thanks Harley. She visited our school with her cello before we went up to London to see her play at the festival hall.
Oh, I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing Julian. Best wishes from Belgium!
Gracias ,excelente iniciativa
De nada!
Awesome. Thank you for sharing!
You're very welcome!
Sir, Thank you for this. Somehow, in my 40+ years of listening I missed this one.... believe it or not. (a fellow Quad owner, in my case a 34 Pre and a 405 amp).
You are very welcome! 34 / 405. Great combination.
Quad 34 is a gem. Musical, tonally right, and involving. I love that preamp even after owing other much more expensive preamps.
Thanks, Harley. It’s a story that I’d not heard, and a musician who I’m glad, now, to be able to listen to. ❤️
That’s great news Chris. So pleased.
Just, simply elegant, for she was s close to perfect in music as is possible
Thanks Mr. Harley for your amazing presentation. I’ll surely listen to that masterpiece.
You’re very welcome. Enjoy!
Loved it! Thank you
👍🙏
Her recording was my introduction to the concerto and while I also have one or two others now, it is still my favourite version.
thanks for sharing
Really enjoying this series of Great Recordings. I look forward to future offerings and just wanted to say thank you.
That’s very kind Nick! Thank you
This recording of Elgar is my 'imprint', the first and most indelible recording of the Elgar. I'm told there are better recordings, performativity and sonically. I can hear the latter to be true, but Du Pré is still special for me - even before I knew her backstory.
I have the CD and never understood putting the concerto with the songs also. They made a Movie of her life AND because of this AND the story of the music and why it was written (BBC Documentary I think), I bought it - pre streaming days. BUT once you listen to it the emotion it carries particularly in some parts endears it to the listener. My wife was diagnosed with MS on her 30th birthday ( now 53 and still going) so it was even more poignant. In the same vein i suggest watching the Movie Army of Crime and at the end the main characters are brought out and see the sun and a brief excerpt version of Vivaldi’s Laudate pueri Dominum Psalm 112 is played. The marriage of imagery and music is so fitting ( and you must really watch the film to get the full weight of the scene) that i sought out it’s entirety. It - for me - packs a similar rising emotional crescendo i get from Elgars piece.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal story, truly moving. And thank you for your movie / music combination suggestion. Best wishes from Belgium.
I've no CD but I have gathered 4 first label NM and even rarer, two very rare "Sold Subject to Retail Price Maintenance" Postage Stamp 2nd labels issued for only a couple of weeks before RPM was scrapped by Wilson's government. Social history too!
Thank you, Harley! Her Elgar, Schumann and Dvorak recordings are fabulous. She puts a vast spectrum of emotions in every note that’s impossible to find anybody who is able to match. As you know, I’m a very proud and faithful owner of yours Sibelius loudspeakers and this vinyl recording was one of my most attentive first listening with them! Have an amazing 2022! Hope all the best for Pearl Acoustics: they are my all time best loudspeakers 😊
A very happy 2022 too Ciro. Lovely to hear from you. I always had this recording in mind when I was struggling with my design , so it’s great to hear it was one of the first recordings you played on our loudspeakers. You can’t imagine how proud the whole team feels when we hear from our customers from around the world. I will pass your message on to them this morning.
Hi. I’m a big du pre and barbirolli fan. (BTW thanks Harley for your great talk on the Elgar concerto). I owned the Dvorak on vinyl for years and always heard a bad distortion on it towards the end of the 1st movement so I kept rebuying thinking that it was a “duff pressing”. I’m now streaming (hi Rez) and still hear distortion on this (my favourite du pre recording). Is it my ears or did they record at too high a level? Would love to hear yours and Harley’s opinion.
This was great, thank you very much.
You’re welcome!
Great video
Thank you Olle!
I met her once- at Dartington Summer School of Music, In the early 1960s. We had a longish chat and as we were about to walk to the same place, I offered to carry her cello case. She laughed and said. "Never ask if you can carry a cellist's cello, it stays with me". Years later, she began to have health problems and was hospitalised for tests. The day after she was allowed home, she was having breakfast and listening to the news. And on the news there was an announcement that Jaqueline Du Pré was with multiple scelrosis. Someone in the hospital had leaked the news to the press. And that is how she learned of her disease. And that night, she bravely faced the press and attended a concert given by her husband, Daniel Barenboim, at the Festival Hall. At Dartington, (it might have been 1963) she had played a Beethoven and Brahms Sonata with George Malcolm (known for the harpsichord, but a great pianist and conductor). There had been two concerts that night at Dartington, one at the usual evening time, and this was followed by a recital by a group of professional singers. When it ended, John Amis came onto the stage and announced that Jaqueline Du Pre was with us here at Dartington, that she and Geroge Malcom were practicing for a tour and they would like to try out their pieces, so would we like to hear them? I have been to thousands of concerts, but if there is one I will never forget, never, never, never, it was Jaqueline Du Pre playing Beethoven Cello sonata 3 and Brahmas 5 at two o'clock in the morning. It was Magic.
Oh what a fantastic story. I could picture every word. Thanks ever so much for sharing!
Beautifully done. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you.
Thank you Tom!
Great account of this phase in Jackelyne Du Pré’s life! It complements my admiration for Miss Du Pré which started when I saw the movie “Hilary and Jackie” some years ago. The Edgar cello concerto plays constantly all along. Thank you Harley!
Thank you for your very kind comment. Much appreciated.
I enjoy watching your video, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, and keep making more videos, thanks.
Thank you - will do!
One of my favourite classical recordings. I was first introduced to it in a music appreciation course in the mid 1980s. The box set is fantastic, I saw it in a record store a couple of years ago and picked it up immediately!
Glad you found it.
Just discovered your channel, fascinating range of topics. Love this JDP piece before knowing the history, so thank you.
Thank you very much for this great video, Harley!
You're very welcome Ralf.
Funny, just bought her record last month to hear her playing Elgar.
I first heard her play in the documentary The Audiophile Club of Athens, and it has captivated me ever since.
fabulous, life is full of coincidences
I have just listened to the Concerto on Qobuz in CD quality. I have free access to Qobuz for CD quality with my Yamaha musicast streamer. This was a very emotional moment. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! Best wishes
Thank you sir! I have so enjoyed this series. Every recommendation has been absolutely spot on. A real treat.
You are very welcome. So glad you enjoy them.
Very nice presentation - I have Yo Yo! Sea Pictures is also an epic piece. I remember a friend being so upset helping Jacqueline up the stairs on her wheelchair visiting the Royal College in the early 80s. She died in 1987. I believe although enthusiastic, Elgar quite often needed a 'bit of encouragement' which his wife provided amply.
Thank you for your appreciation. ‘Behind every great man there’s a….’ And there reverse is equally true!
I already knew this recording. My mother was a big Dupre fan. As always you told this story beautifully, really engaging. I like your video's a lot
Thank you Guido! Very encouraging.
Sorry, late to the party. I was doing some delving into your back catalog when I came upon Du Pre. After listening to your webcast, I went in search of Jacqueline. It was a lot of fun watching her perform. Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks so much for this amazing series. I'm grateful to say that Edward Elgar is my ancestor. I love connecting to him through videos like this.
You are very welcome Sebastian! So glad you enjoy it. I will be making another soon.
Great that you’re helping to keep Du Pré’s legacy going Harley. My first wife was a passably good cellist and our copy of that LP went with her when we parted company these many long years ago. There was some argument over division of the LP division. I ended up with Miles Davis’ _In a Silent Way_ I’m still a great fan of the cello and recently discovered DakhaBrakha. They’re a folk group from Ukraine who describe their work as ethnic chaos. The cellist, Nina Garenetska has the same ability of Du Pré to bring me to tears. I couldn’t stop listening to their music for fully a month after the discovery! Their recordings are available on Bandcamp for very reasonable price.
Thank you Jonathan, I glad you appreciate my work. And thanks for the tip, I’ll find myself a copy
@@PearlAcoustics They’re very popular live performers and there’s plenty on RUclips. The studio recordings are slightly different and their live arrangements are devised to make the most of the more restricted range of instruments. However its their voices and unusual rhythms (to our more Western ears) that are particularly striking. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Best albums are _The Road_ and _Alambri_ but not by much! The new EP _Bedouin Reworks_ is also particularly striking.
Oh, and I have subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing...
Wonderfully executed.
I suggest you to watch the movie about her "Hilary e Jackie"
Thanks. Indeed it’s a great movie.
You definetely need to keep doing this Great Recordings series.
Is a real pleasure to hear you. Thanks for sharing it.
You’re very welcome Bobby. I will do my best!
What a wonderfully informative presentation. I have had this recording in my library since I can remember, and been a devoted Du Pre follower for many years. This recording (and her Delius Cello Concerto from '66) stand apart from others. It defines "definitive".
I do believe this album, when being merited such as it deserves to be, should also include praise for the recording location, the great Kingsway Hall. Being devoted to good acoustics, have I ever not purchased a recording when I see that as the recording location? Certainly there were quite likely some terrible performances within it, but something about the acoustics of the Kingsway Hall provide some forgivable allowance. In the same way, as perhaps, an amateur violinist can be forgiven when the instrument played is a Stradivarius, I may not enjoy the way the notes are being played, but the tone alone
of the instrument becomes paramount. Alas, maybe this is why I am not a musician, but only a devoted deep listener.
Thank you for your kind words and your informative comment.
Don't ignore the B side. While perhaps not in the class of the cello concerto, Baker's Sea Pictures is excellent.
Totally agree. It’s truly masterful and an absolute joy to listen to. It’s a real bonus. But I didn’t single it out as it was not ground breaking, in my opinion. Even though I love Janet Baker’s voice
I also have this vinyl - early edition. Super on my Garrard 401, all tube system (Mullards early 1960's) and Tannoy Westminsters. Love her chamber music with Perlman, Zukerman, Barenboim, et al
I have heard about Discovery from many, will definately give it a serious listen! Thanks for your sharing opinion
Thank you for that poignant introduction to this beautiful recording.
I set aside morning music session for this piece:
Just wonderful!
I had no idea she was married to Daniel Barenboim...I can't imagine why he wouldn't want this beautiful talent as part of his family !
Sad to learn about her MS.
🎶😢🎶
Please keep these previews coming, Harley.
I'm excited about Thomas' upcoming review if the Sibelius...tho I hope he gets the design goal of purity without added "spice"🤔...
So glad the music touched you. We, at Pearl Acoustics are really looking forward to Thomas’ review too. 😉
Absolutely fascinating! Thank you for doing this video. This has long been one of my favorite recordings on vinyl. I have often wondered if she had any inclination of her illness when she was playing this concerto. The performance sounds sad to me, but perhaps that is my imagination. Thanks for fleshing out all the additional details.
The opening sounds almost tragic, like a swan song. I had wondered the same as you but believe this was recorded years before she was afflicted.
Thank you for your kind words. Indeed, Jacqueline had no symptoms or indication of any sickness until quite a few years later. Thank goodness!
Wow. When your video came up on my feed, I knew the Jacqueline Du Pre story, yes I saw the movie, Hilary and Jackie, and immediately went out and bought the CD in 1998. As ;you talked, tears started streaming down my face, because I knew where this was going. Your presentation was wonderful. It has been a while since I listened to this on my stereo, and it is going to get a listen to today.
Dear Chris, so glad my talk connected with you and inspired a new energy for listening to music. Enjoy!
welcome back
This is a great idea. Glad the focus is on great recordings - rather than great equipment.
Once my setup has been dialed in, I’m less interested in tweaking it with new cables or other components. I just was a great listening experience and beyond any other parameter, the source material - the recording - makes the biggest difference. A truly beautiful recording makes my system sing and reminds me why I started listening (really listening) to music in the first place.
Can’t wait for more of these!!
Thank you so much
When you mentioned Gerald Moore as the accompanist to Ms Dupre it reminded me of how wonderful Gyorgy Sebok was as an accompanist to Janos Starker . A great piece of viewing and commentary. If you have more , yes please .
Thank you very much. I forgot to mention Starker, another truly great musician. Embarrassed to admit I don’t know Gyorgy Sebok, but will definitely look him up. As long as people are interested, I will keep them coming.
@@PearlAcoustics I must admit they are both new to me and only came across them in a Mercury Living Presence box set release Collectors Edition 2 from a shop in Melbourne which has now closed down sadly .
@@normally624 thanks.
Just 2 days ago marked 52 years since the Beatles final session @ Abby Road, how appropriate! Im only slightly partial to classical myself, very interesting story though.
Happy 2022!
Thank you. A very happy 2022 to you too.
Hi Harley, I found enigma variations in my local Oxfam for £4.99 today, CBS masterworks. It's in great condition. I'm looking forward to listening to it later on. Thanks for the recommendation.
I've (it might have been my oldest brother's) got it on vinyl but havent listened to it
Time to give it a try! 😉
I know the piece, and the recording well - even if I don't have it in my collection - or indeed *any* recording of the Elgar cello concerto (a sad omission) - and I've heard many tributes to DuPre - but none as moving, heartfelt and sensitive as this.
Thank you Bob. So pleased I reached out to you. Take care. H
Thank you so much for your presetation and explain about the recording and history the fact of musician and all about for some good record. Love it from the Master.
Ed
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
@@PearlAcoustics i have ordered and waiting for shipping of this album. Thank you. And i have tried Daft Punk Vinyl, which are very nice.
I learn and get knowlage at your chanel. Great and Thank you
Ed
I added this to my (extensive) collection though I already had the one she made in Philadelphia with Barenboim. I'm a great cello fan because my sister has been a professional cellist who studied with Gregor Piatigorsky for two years just before his death. No doubt, Jackie was special...and apparently as special as a person as she was a cellist. I very sad loss, indeed.
I love this series! Obviously brought in by the Daft Punk review. But I've always been an audiophile, so it was such a happy accident! Great channel.
I know this would be way outside your comfort zone, but the album Colors II by the group Between the Buried and Me is definitely worth a listen. Amazing musicianship and immaculate production. They've pioneered the genre for over a decade.
Thank you Dan! So glad you appreciate the channel. I will certainly check out Colours ll. I open to all tastes, or at least try to be!
If you are looking for great recordings, I would absolutely try Neil Diamond's "Hot August Night". It was recorded in 1971 and has so many of his biggest hits, and listening to the album straight through, although it is long, just gives you such a close and personal feelling. It's like you are a part of it, and hearing Neil talk to the audience, and making jokes between and even during songs, hearing the audience just enjoying their time with him, it's all just so enthralling. When in the right mood, you can just imagine yourself there, a part of the music, so careful and emotional, with everybody else.
That’s great. Indeed, recordings can just as well capture live events as carefully crafted studio ones
I remember when she died, my Mother, who wasn’t really known to be a fan of the “classics”, was terribly upset. A year of so later, I was given an EMI cassette of this recording for Christmas. It’s an incredibly emotive performance which cemented her stature as a major artist. Isn’t this recording plagued by noise like phones ringing and buses on the street?
Dear Indigo thank you for sharing your story. I am really not aware of any noises in the background! You make me curious. 😉
Truly fine content. Thanks.
You’re welcome - thank you!
Very, very good! Including the sidenotes about the length of one LP-Side or the name "album" etc.. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Great video. It’s also worth bearing in mind that when this recording was made in 1965, Elgar’s music was deeply unfashionable.
Thanks for the kind appreciation Graham. Your comment is absolutely true, especially in some circles. I have only recently discovered his ‘Dream of Gerontius’ - such an amazing work.
@@PearlAcoustics ah, Gerontius is a sublime masterpiece 👍🏻
Exactly... short NOT tragic!!
Harley, this is a terrific review. I am not a classical listener however, your story telling and review had me listen to this album. I enjoyed it. I am amazed at the dynamic range that classical pieces have. I steamed from Tidal to Bluenode which is connected to a Schiit Freya. The amp is the one you recommended: VMV A1. I used Magenpan LRS and surprisingly the little amp drove the magnepans. Couple of REL T zeros thrown in the mix too.
So glad to hear this Rohit!
Really enjoyed the video thanks. And yes the Du Pre Elgar recording is truly inconic. However I struggle with your comments that say she was equally good in all her other repertoire. The Dvorak is bettered by many other cellists and the Haydn C major is lacking in appropriate 18th century style and awareness. Her lack of study did let her down sometimes. You could never doubt her enthusiasm and commitment but that only gets you so far. I say all of this as a cellist.....
Dear John. I totally agree... I didn't realize I said she was equally good in other repertoire. I for example, do not like her Bach and indeed she has been bettered by others. But the Elgar, for me is her absolute landmark recording. And the box set of 17CD's is very interesting listening with some outstanding pieces within it. Thanks for pointing this out.
For full orchestral concertos (i.e. classical onward) - Beethoven Piano no.4 has a revolutionary opening - just piano, and very softly! The Elgar opening is epic, though did he get the idea from Max Bruch? Bruch's 1866 violin concerto has a declamatory opening solo too.
Dear Rob, Beethoven 4 - yes indeed! The more I listen I begin to appreciate that musical thematic and architectural themes are 'borrowed', inspired, or stolen throughout art. It's so hard to say what influenced whom - but it's fun guessing! So often musicians will know they have heard something before (or think they have) but don't know where. To be fair to Elgar, Bruch does open with the orchestra giving the violinist a chord to start from. But thanks for mentioning Bruch. As a child, it was my absolute favourite - I had the Menuhin recordings from 1931, recorded in Abbey Road when he was only 15! :-)
Thank you for this lesson! I also really enjoy the recording by Inbal Segev ... really heavy and a bit slower (which I like a lot)
That’s the great thing about classical music, one can find a version of everything for every mood. Thanks for your kind words
Thanks for the description of why record sides shouldn't be too long. I have also found, with records in general, that the sound deteriorates the closer the needle comes to the end of the side, I suppose because the music has to be crammed up into a shorter space.
Hi. Thanks for your comment. A common reason why records sound worse nearer the centre is to do with tracking of the needle in the grove. The cartridge is no longer parallel with the groove. There should be many forums on this.
You make an interesting point about shoe horning the concerto onto one side, at the detriment of audio levels. The extraordinary thing is that this was the second time they'd done this to her. On her previous record "Herbert Downes, Jacqueline Du Pré - Music For Viola And Cello" (Catalogue No: CSD 1499), she only got the B side. This album also suffers from low audio levels. I was very lucky to come by a first edition of it, but I find myself cranking up the amp to achieve normal listening volume. They also didn't do her the dignity of releasing it on the ASD & ALP series, but sneaked it out in tiny quantities on the CSD series label, that was usually used for jazz and dance bands. This substantiates your point that she was radically different, so maybe this caused controversy within the management at EMI/HMV?
A very interesting point. Thanks for your contribution
What a great recording! ❤️
This time I suggest you something different i think you might find it fascinating.
(Luigi Tozzi - Deep Blue Volume 3)
Ok. Thank you Nadeer. I will certainly check out your suggestion! Just been listening to Deep Blue with my wife over Breakfast. It’s powerful stuff, in as much as it is so hypnotic. Will definitely give it another listen, one evening, when I want to relax
I'm interested to know what it is about Jacqueline Du Pré that makes her stand apart in the national psyche? Is her story coloured by the fact that her musical career was cut short by MS? Was there something about the 1960s and 70s that was shifting in the world of entertainment so that this young female cellist was featured and promoted, thrust forward onto the world stage? Was classical music somewhat on the wane at the time, and this was grasped as an opportunity to make it more appealing to young people, more rock'n'roll?
I ask because at the 16:00 mark you flash up a photo of the Elgar Concerto being recorded in 1920, and there is a young female cellist, Beatrice Harrison. What is her story? How come it doesn't seem to have gripped the nation's consciousness? She was the same age as Du Pré (possibly even younger) when she recorded the Elgar Concerto - with the man himself conducting! Apparently, "he had insisted that she be the soloist whenever he conducted the work."
I do appreciate that you are here to talk about Great Recordings and not necessarily about the psychological drives behind these things - but, all the same, I find it an interesting question.
Dear Rory, you certainly pose a very interesting question here, that’s worth careful consideration. Unfortunately, time does not permit me to go into the detail I would like here. But there have been so many outstanding female soloists in the classical world, prior to Du Pré. Absolutely, they were heavily discriminated against but I strongly believe that in the case of Du Pré, it was purely a question if extraordinary talent. I don’t believe it was cynical money making at all but simply, she was able to play the piece to a technical and emotional level, hither to not achieved. This is born out by the fact that EMI didn’t believe in her to give her the album to herself but to share it with Janet Baker.
The striking thing for me is, that in the calm reflection of history, this recording is still regarded as ‘the recording’ by even young cellists studying in conservatoires the world over.
@@PearlAcoustics It is so lovely to receive your thoughts on this subject, and as you say, it is worth careful consideration.
I can't seem to avoid seeing a contradiction in your reply: "It was purely a question of extraordinary talent," and, "she was able to play the piece to a technical and emotional level," and yet, "EMI didn’t believe in her to give her the album to herself..."
I'm not talking about cynical money-making. I'm wondering whether it was all part of a greater cultural control. I find it fascinating that this was taking place while there was an ongoing seismic upheaval in the younger generation's field of entertainment (for want of a better expression): Laurel Canyon, and the hippie movement, the Beatles, David Bowie, androgyny and the sexual revolution, and so on, and so on.
@@roryks that’s very true!
You made me curious and actually went and find Beatrice Harrison's Elgar performance, and it sounded flat both technically and emotionally, Jacqueline Du Pré's performance was indeed far supirior.
I have been an avid music listener for whole my life (46 now) but unfortunately (or fortunately) just recently came across Jacqueline Du Pré and was blown away and got addicted to her finding and listening to her stuff for a whole week now (which is why I am here), she is really special, she is not just a product made famous by some sorts of trends or movements by chance for sure.
I was very interested to hear you talking about jacqueline, i cant listen to anyone else playing Elgars Cello Concerto. I have a box set of her recordings and i was interested about what you said about Gerald Moore playing with her because i sometimes feel she is drowned out by Daniels piano playing, maybe thats how the music is meant to be but i find it irritating. Do you agree?
Hi, very interesting question. For me, it really depends on the music. Some Sonatas are written with equal parts, Ie piano and violin or cello, for example, having equal voices. While others are written for cello or violin with piano accompaniment (like a song). So I find it depends on the composer’s intentions. I hope that helps a bit?
So I've got a question-- you obv know the Barenboim/Du Pre television recording, right? I can't spot any microphones and with the balance being what it is I can't comprehend it not having a close mic on Jaqueline Du Pre. Do you happen to have any first hand knowledge of whether the broadcast was recorded to track?
Hi, I am not sure which tv recording you mean. But there is one where the microphone can be seen under the tv and the cello mic in the foreground. Well disguised. But maybe let me know which one you mean precisely?
I truly love your presentation and the enthusiasm you have for this music and artist. Loved it!
Thank you Ewan. You’re very welcome.
I don't know where to suggest Albums but I have multiple Albums for you!
In Search Of Lost Time - Protoje
Spiritchaser - Dead Can Dance
Terra Firma - Tash Sultana
Onward! Up A Frightening Creek - This Way To The Egress
Symphonic Suite Akira - Geinoh Yamashirogumi
Out of Time - Hugo Kant
Where's The Drop? - deadmau5
and a single | Train - 4 Non Blondes
P.S. Loved your Daft Punk Episode and your commitment to describing what makes the featured albums so.. great!
Thanks! Wow what I a list. I have a lot to listen to there!
@@PearlAcoustics Personal favorites that's it!
That's not a first edition record as he claims, it's a 1980's fourth edition/pressing, as you can see by the logo on the top left of the sleeve and the record label itself.
Indeed, thanks for pointing this out. I was led to believe it was when I purchased it. Thanks
I have a mintish copy of EMI issue ASD 2764 that has the Elgar Cello Concerto coupled with a Delius Concerto. The liner notes by Douglas Putney are dated 1965. Is this likely the same tapes or masters that produced the pressing you have? The cover photo is a warm image of her playing but the liner notes are just about the two pieces -- nothing about her.
I am pretty sure they will be same. But check on Discogs - it’s a great source for this kind of info. I don’t have my LP to hand as I write
Loving these vids 👍🏼
Thanks Nathan!
You mentioned a 'premonition'. I have a genetic condition 95% similar to MS (but many times rarer). I'm 58 and it has only rapidly become debilitating in recent years.... but deep down I always knew something was amiss. JdP also knew, I'm certain... even if she said nought. Her/My behaviour changed.
Thank you for sharing your back story
I didn’t intend to be about me per se. Just about how a person with a serious illness KNOWS. Their behaviour alters almost automatically.
People like to make deprecating remarks like "audiophiles listen to their equipment, music lovers listen to music". True to an extent. A classic virtuoso performance on serviceable gear will be better than a lesser performance played on top end gear.
Unfortunately for vinyl if you want the very best sound from an LP, you need to spend a lot on gear, much more so than hi-res digital formats.
Thanks for your excellent comment and contribution to the topic
You think 8 minutes is a long movement, have you heard the Mahler 3rd ?
Indeed, I know Mahler 3 very well. Heard it live in the Berlin Philharmonic hall once. Wonderful piece from start to finish! The point I was making is that in a studio recording session, to go through two movements without stopping for mistakes etc. is almost unheard of - especially in these days. It could also have been Barbaoll’s way of warming up the orchestra. Who knows?
@@PearlAcoustics I've read, on more than one occasion, that Barbirolli would start a rehearsal of a movment by having it played complete before making any adjustments to the interpretation
@@davidcrc9155 indeed, it’s not that unusual but going straight into the second movement is 😉
A most interesting discourse on this wonderful piece of music and the interpretation by Ms Du Pre. But I feel you have neglected to mention a third key element that contributed to the outcome of the recording being of such stature. You spoke of the soloist, the orchestra but only briefly mentioned the conductor, Sir John Barbirolli. Your listeners might be interested to know that he was a superb 'cellist from a small boy growing up in London, he played the 'cello in the orchestra at the first performance of the Elgar concerto, conducted by Elgar, and not long after he performed the concerto as a soloist with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He also adjudicated at a 'cello competition at which Miss Du Pre competed, and won, and thereafter Barbirolli and she were to be seen performing together very often. So, with his background and profound love of Elgar's music and his complete understanding of the concerto and string playing, no wonder her talents were in safe hands at that recording session. You also mention Bruch's Kol Nidrei. There is a recording of a live concert given in September 1965, a few weeks after the Elgar recording, where Miss Du Pre and Barbirolli with the Halle Orchestra perform this work. It's a beautiful and very moving interpretation as you'd expect from these two great artists working together. It can be found on a Barbirolli Society CD no. SJB1100.
Dear David. Thank you so much for this additional information. Indeed I missed it out, I hunted at the competition where Barbirolli was on the jury but, indeed there’s just so much to this story and you have given us a vital piece extra. Thanks!
Thanks for an enjoyable video, although a bit long. Sorry to inform you the record you have is most definitely not the first edition. Your label looks like a coloured stamp. The first edition was a red-semi circle label known as ER1. It looks like you have the reissue possibly the 2nd edition from around 1969/1970. However if you have a white ring around the circumference of the label you have the much later reissue which came out from 1979. The difference in sound quality is very noticeable on a high end system especially between the first red semi and the Large Dog Red semi which came out from 1982. I have all vinyl issues of the recording and the first edition in mint condition sounds like fireworks - spectacular !
Thank you for your kind words and the additional information
Fan boys get older! The 1920 recording of the Elgar was heavily abridged to under 20 minutes but the microphone version of 1928 was complete. This man means 'electro-magnetic' and not 'electronic'.
He omits the fact that Du Pre performed the Elgar several times with Sargent and at least one recording was made. The EMI LP he shows was released in the same year but AFTER her LP of the Elgar and Delius concertos.
The Rostropovich tale is courtesy of Lebrecht and therefore likely to be false. While MR said in interview that his version was not as good as Du Pre's he did not withdraw his and went on to record it a few more times.
"The..." Haydn 'cello concerto? Haydn composed at least 5 and Du Pre recorded 2 of them. The LSO standing to greet a soloist after a take is not unusual. This man implies that she pacified a grumpy set of musicians and is his fantasy.
Du Pre's recording was more dramatic than as written and somewhat at odds with Elgar's conception evidenced by his own recording with Harrison of 1928 and other overblown recordings appeared in its wake. That said, Du Pre's American live recording with Barenboim is more balanced and thoughtful and it is very sad that Du Pre's cruel illness did not give her time to mature and broaden/deepen her narrow repertoire.
As for this You Tube feature -- well, ridiculous just about covers it.
Thanks for your comment and contribution to the debate.
Great series you started here!
I would recommend one recording that sounds beyond amazing to me: Cantate Domino on the Proprius label. It's a Swedish recording of Christmas music performed in a church, I believe it was released in 1976, with a number of re-releases in the following years. I've never heard a more realistically sounding recording on my system. Just wonderful, with track 9 (Cantique de Noel) being an absolute highlight for me.
Thank you for your appreciation.
Oh how interesting about your recommendation- I will definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip. I am just about to record a Christmas CD, in fact I am going to cover the process for a ‘great recordings’ video later in the year. (I am not saying it will be, but it’s every engineer’s dream!
It is an incredible and intense performance. I wondered why it was not Du Pré on both sides. Just the patriarchy losing the plot I guess. It is a great record which I have two copies of…
Wow, great story! I will definitely have a listen. And great storytelling as well. Have you ever thought about voice over work? 😁
Thank you. You’re welcome! Voice over, never given it a thought!
That's not a first UK edition. It's almost certainly 3rd or 4th label.
Ah - ok, thanks for the correction, what I meant was this was the original LP (cover design) for the UK.
Thanks, for the insight and the interesting history.🥰
The album is also released on japanese XRCD (playable by any CD player) and should be the superior release.👍
I don't get why they haven't made new laquer with two movements on each side of a LP. And then being able to engrave it hotter or more precisely at a normal level to suppress noice.
(Maybe two movements on each side is short enough so they can be 45rpm even.)🤔
Have they lost the master tapes?🙈
30 min on one side is far from ideal on a suboptimal media to begin with.🎵🎶
Maybe a narrow public interest of the classical genre in the already small 1% of all audiophiles will limit the interest to a fraction of a percent.
So that limited number of potential buyers is to small for them to re-relese it properly.😢
Thank you for the tip about the Japanese XRCD version. I agree a vinyl version with two movements per side would be great. + They could leave a much longer (more sensible) break between movements!