Track Listing

1. Concert Overture: Cockaigne (In London Town) Op.40
2. I: Adagio - Moderato
3. II: Lento - Allegro Molto
4. III: Adagio
5. IV: Allegro - Moderato - Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
6. I: Sea Slumber - Song
7. II: In Haven (Capri)
8. III: Sabbath Morning At Sea
9. IV: Where Corals Lie
10. V: The Swimmer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1286 in Music
• Released on: 2004-08-02
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Masterpieces from Great Musicians

There are now many releases in the EMI 'Great Recordings of the Century' series, and this has to be one of the best I've heard.

The three pieces on this CD date from the 1960's and all have benefited from recent remastering.

The 'Cello Concerto' is a 1965 recording performed by Jacqueline du Pre (who else would you expect?) and remains today, more than 40 years on, the standard to which all other performances of this work are measured. I'm sure I am amongst many others who regret not having seen such a gifted musician play live. I've seen several performances of Elgar's cello concerto, and always find that the best are when the soloist totally immerses him/herself into the music and brings out the emotions from somewhere deep within themselves. This recording by du Pre is certainly one of those.

'Sea Pictures' is another popular Elgar piece, and this recording, again from 1965, is a beautiful version by one of my favourite singers of yesterday, Dame Janet Baker.

To complete the trio of pieces here is the 1962 recording of the concert overture `Cockaigne (In London Town)'. Slightly lesser played perhaps than some of Elgar's other works but certainly worthy of inclusion here.

It should be noted that these recordings are included on the EMI Classics 5CD box set `Elgar Orchestral Works', which does offer better value considering it also includes the two Symphonies, Enigma Variations, Pomp & Circumstance Marches, Introduction & Allegro and more.

a wonderful CD
All of these three recordings are mesmeric. The du Pre 'Cello Concerto has been an iconic recording ever since it appeared, and it is completely convincing in its own terms, full of passion, beauty and melancholy. It is fair to say that it is not the only way to approach this work - a gentler, more measured, more thoughtful interpretation such as that of Tortelier is equally valid - but as you listen to it, it is impossible not to be bowled over. The 'Sea Pictures', far less well known as a piece and saddled with some truly awful mawkish words, are in fact very beautiful and characterful in musical terms, and Janet Baker's performance does them absolute justice, mingling delicacy and poetry with ringing commitment. 'Cockaigne', not Elgar's most subtle piece but very lovable, is played for all it is worth and is throughly enjoyable. This CD brings back happy memories of all these wonderful artistes and this is the repertoire they excelled in.

A classic recording. Should not be missed.
This recording has become a "must" for collectors of the concerto. Vibrant and clear the sound quality still stands strong from the 1965 recording date. The CD has been re-released several times since its release but on EMI at mid-price this release offers better sound quality than originals, however I don't believe the most modern re-mastering has imporved it much. The concerto and the Sea pictures sounding better than the Overture.

Jacqueline Du Pre boasts perhaps her finest performance with an orchestra in this stunning solo performance. Her playing is packed with charisma and spontaneity. If however you want a more subdued and less heavy-handed performance you may wish to turn to other recordings such as the Robert Cohen and Charles Mackerras version on the Argo label. The Cello concerto is an exquisite piece and as always one of my Elgar favorites, but the Sea Pictures, a piece I had not heard before buying this is glorious. Dame Janet Baker sings at her prime here, she is incredibly bold and balances with the orchestra perfectly throughout.

The Cockaigne overture is very good too, but does not provide anything that stands out like the other two offerings. But at under £10 this release is better value than the recording ever was. I recommend this to anybody whether it be those who are looking for a first version of these pieces or a collector missing a vital piece of the repertoire.