Beethoven - The Five Cello Sonatas - du Pré, Barenboim

These 1970 performances from Jacqueline du Pré with husband Daniel Barenboim on piano are some of the late musician's best. Though Elgar's Cello Concerto is definitely du Pré's masterpiece, her take on Beethoven's Cello Sonatas are great documents that also stand the test of time. She brings her trademark warmth and a big tone to the works, especially striking in the Rondo of the second of Sonata, where she proves an equal match to her husband's passionate playing. As with many du Pré recordings, there are some inconsistent notes, but the spirit of her playing shines through. Beethoven's cello variations–included here on the tail end of disc 2–are great showpieces for du Pré and an added bonus. –Jason Verlinde

Disc: 1

1. Sonata No. 1 In F, Op. 5 No. 1: Adagio sostenuto
2. Sonata No. 1 In F, Op. 5 No. 1: Allegro
3. Sonata No. 1 In F, Op. 5 No. 1: Allegro vivace
4. Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo
5. Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Allegro molto più tosto presto
6. Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: Rondo. (Allegro)
7. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69: Allegro, ma non tanto
8. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69: Scherzo. (Allegro molto)
9. Sonata No. 3 In A, Op. 69: Adagio cantabile - Allegro vivace

Disc: 2

1. Sonata No. 4 In C, Op. 102 No. 1: Andante - Allegro vivace
2. Sonata No. 4 In C, Op. 102 No. 1: Adagio - Tempo d'Andante - Allegro vivace
3. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2: Allegro con brio
4. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2: Adagio con molto sentimento d'affetto
5. Sonata No. 5 In D, Op. 102 No. 2: Allegro - Allegro fugato
6. Twelve Variations on "See the conqu´ring hero comes" (Judas Maccabeus) WoO 45
7. Seven Variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen" (Zauberflöte) WoO 46
8. Twelve Variations "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" (Zauberflöte) op. 66



This here is my rip of the original double cd box, released in 1988.
Scans are provided in a separate file.