Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
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Free Music Notes for Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
Free Music Review: Amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
Jacqueline Du Pré was an amazing performer. Her career was tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis, but she had many opportunities to demonstrate that she was one of the finest musicians of the 20th century. This compilation is a wonderful sample of her many talents, both in big symphonic works and in intimate chamber pieces.The first CD consists of cello concertos and includes the two recordings that Du Pré is best remembered for: Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major and Elgar's Cello Concerto in C minor. The Haydn concerto is a beautifully flowing piece that allows Du Pré to show her amazing technique and almost childlike fascination with music, while the Elgar concerto is a very poignant, almost tragic piece where she gives way to some of her most passionate and temperamental playing. The second CD is entirely devoted to chamber music and includes many lesser known pieces of the cello repertoire.
Jacqueline Du Pré's playing is always lyrical, temperamental, passionate and energetic. She had the ability to make the cello sound like a human voice and she constantly avoided conventionalisms. Almost 60 years after her birth she still remains a force to be reckoned with.
Free Music Review: 99% perspiration
Hit: 5 Stars
(4.5/5 stars) This is a two-disc collection of musical works, in which the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre plays. The first disc consists of three cello concerti by three different composers: Dvorak (Romantic), Haydn (Classical) and Elgar (Romantic). Very good music, though it might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Not to worry: just pop in Disc Two to find out. The second disc contains shorter works by a wider variety of composers. It also might just leave you breathless by its beauty. Saint-Säens' "The Swan" (from "Carnival of the Animals") is nearly indescribable in its elegance, with du Pre's cello dancing with a harp. This haunting recording should not be missed. Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" is magnificently gorgeous as well. Three fantasy pieces from Schumann, one of Mendelssohn's "Lieder Ohne Wörter" and a stunning Brahms sonata infuse this collection with genuine grace. Since these were recorded prior to the advent of digital recordings, you might hear a very slight hiss on some of the recordings. This is barely audible and really does not detract from the pleasure of listening to it. Each disc runs 75 minutes, making this inspiration last long indeed.Free Music Review: Epitome of Cello
Hit: 5 Stars
As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work. I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969. The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.
The concertos on the first CD are spectacular, especially her rendition of the Elgar concerto which has defined the piece since she first performed it. The second CD, however, is just as wonderful as a collection of some of the most loved cello pieces. No cello recording complete without Saint Saen's "The Swan" and du Pré's version is the only one I've ever heard that I actually like. "Elégie in C minor" (composed by Gabriel Fauré) is one of my personal favorites especially since her rapport with the pianist is obvious and the two instruments blend in a way that makes the piece even more poignant.
Overall, this CD is a must-have for anyone who loves cello as a perfect sample of Jacqueline du Pré's work.
Free Music Review: Just how great she was
Hit: 5 Stars
Highly recommend this 2-disc set, which gives the listener a good variety of Ms. du Pre's performances, and clearly demonstrates just how great a cellist she was. Watch the film "Hilary and Jackie," and then put on your headphones and just sit back, listening and enjoying particularly (nothing set in concrete, but I do recommend them in this order) these cuts:
1. The Haydn (1st movement)
2. The Dvorak
3. The Franck, and
4. The Elgar (1st movement).
When you've "come down," be sure and take in all the rest of these great performances, at your convenience!
The woman could flat play the instrument; her passion (and extraordinary talent) come through in every piece on this collection, and she is now and always will be truly missed. Just stunning!
Free Music Review: Immortal Legend
Hit: 5 Stars
As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend.