19 May 2023

Jacqueline du Pré rocks the cello


Embedded above is her performance of Antonín Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191
A recently re-discovered recording of a concert held in tribute to the people of Czechoslovakia days after the Soviet Union invaded. Filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall in September 1968.

1. Allegro 0:00 
2. Adagio, ma non troppo 16:10 
3. Finale 29:01
Below is a tribute to her, assembled in 2017, 30 years after her tragic death (follow the link to YouTube).


While writing this post I decided I need to rewatch Hilary and Jackie, so I've requested the DVD from the library.

2 comments:

  1. Having never seen JDP perform, her Dvorak was an eye opener. I was trying to read her body language, but I could not figure out what she was doing? The best I could come up with is present day 'pole dancing', where you interact with the pole. The pole is inanimate and will not respond nor move, and you are all over it, almost attacking it. Whew! And the left hand vibrato, through the whole piece - no wonder she snapped at least one string.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If that performance was a Merrie Melody cartoon, that cello would be writhing and wriggling, groaning and moaning, while du Pre has a maniacal look in her eyes.

    ReplyDelete