Elgar's Cello Concerto: Non-du Pré Recordings

[Guest]

CD Review aired two new versions of this work this morning, one which has received considerable press coverage (see today's Today programme around the 8.20 mark): Alisa Weilerstein, Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim, with the latter's presence being the main reason for the press interest.

Like many, I first got to know this work via Barbirolli/du Pré recording on EMI, but I don't believe it's the last word on this enigmatic, powerful concerto. I have recently enjoyed and purchased Sol Gabetta's recording on RCA and will probably add the Paul Watkins/Andrew Davis disc on Chandos to my collection at some point - another fine performance, which seems to have been generally well-received.

Who do you have on your shelves besides du Pré for this work? Or are you one of those who never warmed to the du Pré version in the first place?

[Wensleydale Blue]

Not a huge fan of Elgar but the cello concerto does get an airing occassionally. My version is the Wispelway one that is coupled with Lutoslwski's concerto, which I bought for the latter and not the former. I quite like his version of the Elgar though because it doesn't go in for the overly passionate appraoch that is associated with Du Pre and seemingly almost all cellists since. I am I allowed to be controversial in my fifth post?

[Thropplenoggin]

I quite like his version of the Elgar though because it doesn't go in for the overly passionate appraoch that is associated with Du Pre and seemingly almost all cellists since. Am I allowed to be controversial in my fifth post?

That's the spirit!

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

..... what took so long?

[salymap]

I love the du Pre but there are other approaches. I have Nige on a video Paul Tortelier with Sargent on LP, Groves on a CD,Colin Carr, can'tremember orchestra. more I think. Can't look for them ATM.

[amateur51]

Elgar's magnificent cello concerto is one of those works that I don't need/want to hear very often and I've decided that it's one that I only want to hear 'live' which is how I heard Heinrich Schiff with LSO/Sir Colin Davis many years back. It sticks in my mind still - 'live' is best for me.

Mind you, Navarra/Hallé/Barbirolli is pretty fine

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Barbirolli's pre-Du Pre recording was with Andre Navarra, and this remains my preferred version. sadly, the stereo tapes became unusable before a good CD transfer could be produced, so it is now only available in mono.

[Mr Pee]

I love the du Pre but there are other approaches. I have Nige on a video Paul Tortelier with Sargent on LP, Groves on a CD,Colin Carr, can'tremember orchestra. more I think. Can't look for them ATM.

Nige? Isn't he that scruffy Aston-Villa supporting violinist?

I suppose like most I was introduced to this wonderful work by the Du Pre/Barbirolli recording, and I stll have a soft spot for it, even if it now does seem a tad over-dramatic. Among recent recordings, I rather like Heinrich Schiff with the Halle and Mark Elder.

[Petrushka]

I don't actually have the famous Barbirolli/du Pre version on CD but do have the same partnership (with the BBCSO) in a live performance given in Prague in 1967 and available on Testament. I also have Natalie Klein/Handley, Truls Mork/Rattle, Paul Tortelier/Sargent and Beatrice Harrison/Elgar all fine in their various ways.

[richardfinegold]

I recently purchased my first non Du Pre recording of the work. The Cellist is Antonio Meneses and the Elgar is coupled with a premiere recording of a Cello Concerto by Hans Gal. The main attraction was the Gal, which has been enthusiastically reviewed in IRR and Fanfare. The reviews for the Gal were somewhat over the top, leading me to believe that a real masterpiece had been unearthed. It is a nice work, but the Elgar clearly is the greater piece and it is nice to have an alternate version after living with Du Pre for so many years. I've only listened to it a couple of times. The new recording is less emotional than Du Pre (no surprise), somewhat downplaying the drama ofthe first movement, but more lyrical in the following movements. I suspect when I return to this disc it will be for the Gal, and when I need my Elgar fix it will be Du Pre.

[gradus]

I liked Zuill Bailey's playing and though the new Decca was incredibly emotional on the whole preferred what I heard from Mr Bailey. Nice to hear a different approach from Du Pre's.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Don't forget the Beatrice Harrison/ New SO/ Elgar version! It may be historic but it's a great performance.

It's also authentic & on original instruments...

[amateur51]

Don't forget the Beatrice Harrison/ New SO/ Elgar version! It may be historic but it's a great performance.

It's also authentic & on original instruments...

[salymap]

Mr Pee,#8 Yes, senior moment, Nige is most certain the scruffy violinist. I do have PROMS video of him playing the Elgar Vln concerto though and someone else on a video I can't remember playing the cello concerto

As I've thought before I need an assistant to sort my music in its various formats.The Beatrice Harrison is around somewhere too.

[LeMartinPecheur]

The Beatrice Harrison is around somewhere too.

It is indeed http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...on+elgar+cello Though I'm surprised not to see the EMI Elgar Edition box which has it: 9 CDs of all Elgar's own HMV electric recordings, plus some other contemporary ones by other conductors

EDIT The Elgar Edition is still available http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Ele...1025626&sr=1-1