Jacqueline du Pré (cello), Dame Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano)
London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
At the premiere of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in 1919, John Barbirolli – himself a cellist – was playing in the London Symphony Orchestra. When he recorded the work in 1965 he chose Jacqueline du Pré as soloist and she remains inextricably linked with this elegiac, but passionate work. Barbirolli’s special affection for Elgar’s music is just as evident in the glorious account of Sea Pictures with Janet Baker and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
1 Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio – Moderato
2 Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85: II. Lento – Allegro Molto
3 Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio
4 Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro – Moderato – Cadenza – Allegro, Ma Non Troppo – Adagio
5 Sea Pictures, Op. 37: I. Sea Slumber-Song
6 Sea Pictures, Op. 37: II. in Haven (Capri)
7 Sea Pictures, Op. 37: III. Sabbath Morning at Sea
8 Sea Pictures, Op. 37: IV. Where Corals Lie
9 Sea Pictures, Op. 37: V. the Swimmer