The tragic yet uplifting life of the brilliant British cellist Jacqueline du Pré, whose career was cut short in 1973 at the age of 28 by multiple sclerosis--but who remained a potent force in English musical life until her death 14 years later (she is still remembered fondly, and was the subject of the 1988 feature film Hilary and Jackie)--is celebrated in this reverential but moving double-disc set. The major piece here is the second version of Christopher Nupen's portrait of du Pr(, Jacqueline du Pré and the Elgar Cello Concerto, originally made in 1967 while she was still active but supplemented in 1981 with additional material filmed following the onset of her illness. The film concludes with a complete performance of what was her signature work--the Elgar concerto--conducted by her husband Daniel Barenboim, whose romance with du Pré is charmingly recounted. The DVD adds to this a complete performance of the Beethoven “Ghost” Trio, in which she and Barenboim are joined by violinist Pinchas Zukerman; a couple of remembrances by Nupen; a gallery of photos; and a nearly 40-minute compilation of snippets from other films on artistic subjects--composers, performers and individual works--made by Nupen over the years, which he hopes to eventually issue on DVD (a sort of oversized preview reel, one might say). The relatively few recordings du Pr( made during her abbreviated career are cherished by many collectors, who will surely appreciate the opportunity to acquire this lovely tribute--presented in LPCM stereo--to her life and work. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Jacqueline du Pre In Portrait
(2004) 2 discs. 155 min. DVD: $29.99. Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 1
Jacqueline du Pre In Portrait
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