Edward Elgar - Cello Concerto & Sea Pictures

Cello Concerto

Soloist: Jaqueline Du Pré

Recorded at Kingsway Hall, London

Sea Pictures 

Soloist: Janet Baker, Contralto

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London

The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

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 marvellously 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

Label: Warner

Reviews

Claus Müller from audiotapereview.com rated this tape 5/5 in the category Music and 5/5 in the category Sound.
For the full review, visit https://www.audiotapereview.com/1032026elgarcelloconcertoseapictures