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

Track List

01 Adagio - Moderato
02 Lento - Allegro molto
03 Adagio
04 Allegro, ma non troppo
05 Sea Slumber Song
06 In Heaven
07 Sabbath Morning At The Sea
08 Where Corals Lie
09 The Swimmer

Technical Details & Product Configurations

Standard Master Product Configuration:

1/4” - 2 Track RTM LPR90 - 15IPS - 38cm/sec - CCIR - 320 nWb/m - 2 Metal Reels - Special Archive Boxes - Horch House Deluxe Packaging

Studio Master Product Configuration:

1/4” - 2 Track RTM SM900 - 15IPS - 38cm/sec - CCIR - 510 nWb/m - 2 Precision Metal Reels - Special Archive Boxes - Horch House Deluxe Packaging