"Angels Now Play Cellos" | 2008-02-28 |
| - Reviewed By User: AEWEFKG4E3IJT |
What can be said about the most beautiful and exciting cellist playing the most beautiful music selection perfectly recorded.
I laughed, I cried and above all I wished she was around today.
The angels turned in their harps for cellos. |
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"cello lover" | 2007-05-31 |
| - Reviewed By User: AUE4AH9WJTW1O |
| Absoluty the best. It is no wonder she was the world premier cello artist!! Can't say enough. If you love cello, and classical music, this is a must have. Her whole collection is worth every penny!!! |
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"99% perspiration" | 2006-11-08 |
| - Reviewed By israt_kris |
| (4.5/5 stars) This is a two-disc collection of musical works, in which the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre plays. The first disc consists of three cello concerti by three different composers: Dvorak (Romantic), Haydn (Classical) and Elgar (Romantic). Very good music, though it might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Not to worry: just pop in Disc Two to find out. The second disc contains shorter works by a wider variety of composers. It also might just leave you breathless by its beauty. Saint-Säens' "The Swan" (from "Carnival of the Animals") is nearly indescribable in its elegance, with du Pre's cello dancing with a harp. This haunting recording should not be missed. Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" is magnificently gorgeous as well. Three fantasy pieces from Schumann, one of Mendelssohn's "Lieder Ohne Wörter" and a stunning Brahms sonata infuse this collection with genuine grace. Since these were recorded prior to the advent of digital recordings, you might hear a very slight hiss on some of the recordings. This is barely audible and really does not detract from the pleasure of listening to it. Each disc runs 75 minutes, making this inspiration last long indeed. |
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"Immortal Legend" | 2006-10-07 |
| - Reviewed By leel2 |
| As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend. |
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"Epitome of Cello" | 2006-06-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3AWB3WBOCP2EL |
As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work. I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969. The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.
The concertos on the first CD are spectacular, especially her rendition of the Elgar concerto which has defined the piece since she first performed it. The second CD, however, is just as wonderful as a collection of some of the most loved cello pieces. No cello recording complete without Saint Saen's "The Swan" and du Pré's version is the only one I've ever heard that I actually like. "Elégie in C minor" (composed by Gabriel Fauré) is one of my personal favorites especially since her rapport with the pianist is obvious and the two instruments blend in a way that makes the piece even more poignant.
Overall, this CD is a must-have for anyone who loves cello as a perfect sample of Jacqueline du Pré's work. |
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"Ooo! Samples!" | 2005-11-29 |
| - Reviewed By the_artful_dodger2 |
| As far as the romantic period goes, Jacqueline Du Pre is my personal favorite 'cellist. Her sensitivity to put expression of the musical idea always outweighed the desire to appear impressive. There is a difference in being just a virtuoso and being a musician. A virtuoso has the capability to dazzle and amaze, but music is more than just being impressive, and Du Pre succeeds in becoming, in every sense, a musician first and foremost. The only complaint I have of this album is the fact that you only get one movement of each piece! Even so, this a wonderful "sample dish" of Du Pre's extraordinary playing, mainly meant to get you hooked so you can get more. |
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"One of the Finest cellist in the world." | 2005-02-14 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1GJEQ1SM8YKDQ |
| Her emotion influenced me once the bow touchs the string. She is not playing the cello by hands, but her heart. I bet Atonie Dvorak would be touched if he's still living and would appreicate this God's gift to perform his fine art. The solo in CD2 strongly reveal Jacqueline's power in love and struggle the love with her brother-in-law. It's recommended to play the CD2 at night and early morning. |
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"Ma Du Pre- The Greatest" | 2004-11-08 |
| - Reviewed By thando |
| I bought this from Amazon last few months back & never had time to review it. I must say it blew me away especially the Elgar Cello op.85 with Sir John Barbirolli. I could not listen to anything else for a while.The Dvorak Cello has got only one movement the 1st one.One might wanna hear Mstislav Rostropovich with Karajan 1969 record on that movement. Du Pre & the Master are at equal in that movement.Haydin Cello is also very nice with Du pre playfully phraising.But the Elgar Cello surpases everthing else here.The 1st movement "Adagio-Moderato" is so warm soaring as Du Pre reveals all emotions of a a very sad composer.The last movement "Allegro,ma non troppo" is my best in this CD right towards the end just after 8:55 min. listen attentively to the cello...wow! unbelievable emotions u actually feel the music it takes your mind to another world. The 2nd CD consists of recitals. I liked it the most because of short encores.Schuman's three fantasy pieces are just magnificent esp.the 3rd one.Beethoven Trio is also great.Brahms composition i like it very much Du Pre is a little rough, robust i.e very lush just the way I like the cello to sound.Manuel de Falla's "joto" really takes your mind to Spanish landscapes cant mistake that sound.Bach Adagio, Bruch, Faure & other compositions deserve a mention overall this is a great collection even though die hard fans might be left craving for more & would rather prefer complete works from this magnificent artist.This CD is a great start for those who do not know the music of Ma du Pre.Actually this is the real "Hilary & Jackie"soundtrack from the movie.I would also recommend that you purchase the DVD "Portrait of....".One wonders what would have happened if Du Pre had not passed away.I think she would have extended the cello capabilities to infinite possibilities surely many people agree do you? |
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"If you love the cello, this is CD is a must!" | 2004-06-17 |
| - Reviewed By User: AFR2PVMAJ985T |
| When I first heard this CD I was completely floored. Du Pre's tone is so beautiful and her phrasing speaks directly to your heart. One has to marvel at what this artist achieved in her tragically short life and what she would have achieved had she lived. |
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"Give a special gift!! It's incredible!!" | 2004-01-14 |
| - Reviewed By User: A15O5TPFD79VFY |
| This (2) CD album is one of the finest I have ever heard. It is like tasting the most amazing creme brulee! You have to savor each bite! Each piece has something different to offer. The second CD is my favorite. There are so many extrodinary pieces all on one CD and executed so beautifully. I have given this CD to all of my friends and continue giving it as a valued gift!! (Be sure to get the album with the gray cover as opposed to the pale green cover(#II) as there is a volume II. Buy it and sail away!!! |
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