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: #1917 in Music
• Released on: 2004-08-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 69 minutes

Customer Reviews

It's Been A Long Wait.....
Rarely can the sobriquet "Great Recording of the Century" have been applied with greater justification than to this ever-fresh performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto by du Pre and Barbirolli. It is just wonderful and has been continuously in the EMI catalogue since its first release in 1965 - for most of the time at full price.

EMI released this on CD back in 1986 (on CDC 7 47329 2) and the sound quality was disappointing to those brought up on the vinyl release. This time they have made amends - the sound quality is sensational. A back-room genius called Ian Jones has restored the dynamics and colour that made this a standout recording of its time. If you love this work and performance as I do, this release is worth every penny, even if you have the previous one.

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.