Jaqueline du Pré is widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, and her recordings remain highly influential. While she had a relatively short career due to her early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, her artistry and emotional depth left an indelible mark on the classical music world.
On the occasion of her birthday on 26 January 1945, let us sample five of her most celebrated and iconic recordings.
Du Pré/Barenboim: Elgar Cello Concerto, “Adagio”
Elgar Cello Concerto

Jacqueline du Pré
Jaqueline Du Pré’s name is most famously associated with the Elgar Cello Concerto, which she recorded in 1965 with the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli. It is a performance hailed as one of the most emotionally profound renditions of the piece, as her playing is imbued with a poignant expressiveness that conveys the grief, melancholy, and introspection that permeate the concerto.
Her interpretation of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, recorded a number of times in the mid-1960s, is still considered one of the greatest of all time. The profound emotional depth she brings to this piece, coupled with her technical mastery, has made it a benchmark for both the work and cello playing in general. The performance is noted for its intensity, sensitivity, and the deeply personal connection Du Pré brings to the music.
As The Guardian writes, “her Elgar recording is a masterpiece because it embodies not just the pain of the music but also an element of triumph. Du Pré’s tone is expansive and rich, but it’s the long, sustained moments of silence between notes that create a sense of weight and depth in the performance.” In the eye of many critics, du Pré turned the music into a transformative experience for listeners.
J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 (Jacqueline du Pré, cello)
Bach Cello Suites

Jacqueline du Pré wedding portrait
Jacqueline du Pré’s recording of Bach’s Cello Suites remains a monumental achievement in the classical music world. Her rendition is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally compelling interpretations of the works, and it resonates powerfully with listeners who appreciate its raw, passionate energy. Her technical brilliance and ability to imbue the music with her own personal narrative are undeniable.
While the recordings have been taken to task for du Pré’s free approach to rhythm and phrasing, the music is coming from a deeply personal place. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after the recording, her playing speaks to the emotional and physical struggles she was undergoing. The rawness and immediacy of the interpretation are hard to ignore.
Du Pré/Barenboim Perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Jacqueline du Pré’s recordings of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, with various conductors, are universally regarded as some of the great interpretations of the 20th century. Her expressive power, technical brilliance, and the profound emotional depth she brings to the piece have made her performance a definitive version for many listeners.
Du Pré has the ability to blend the virtuosic demands of the concerto with an overwhelming sense of personal connection. The New York Times writes, “du Pré achieves a balance between lyricism and technical precision, a magnificent fusion of passion and artistry.”
Beethoven Cello Sonatas
Du Pré/Barenboim Perform Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5
Du Pré’s marriage to pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim turned them into the “golden couple” of the music industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their personal relationship is reflected in a profound musical chemistry. Their interpretation of the Beethoven cello sonatas, recorded in the late 60s and early 70s, is frequently regarded as the most significant in the genre.

Jacqueline du Pré and Daniel Barenboim
Alfred Brendel called the Beethoven recordings “one of the most intensely poetic Beethoven cycles,” emphasising du Pré’s ability to convey a sense of spontaneity while respecting the structure of the music. With their emotional commitment and extraordinary technical abilities, the exceptional partnership between du Pré and Barenboim created recordings of wonderful musical clarity and warmth.
Schumann Cello Concerto

Jacqueline du Pré
Du Pré’s approach tends to emphasise the lyrical qualities of Schumann’s music. This is particularly evident in the first movement, where her phrasing is noted for its careful shaping and intimate expression. She certainly never shies away from the moments of passion, and in partnership with Barenboim, they sustain a delicate balance throughout.
Her ability to evoke a broad range of emotions through subtle changes in dynamics and tempo is one of her defining qualities. Du Pré’s interpretation has been described as tender and introspective, with a profound connection to the composer’s psychological landscape, particularly in the second movement. Her performances are marked by an unmatched blend of technical brilliance and deeply emotional expression, making her artistry timeless.
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Robert Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 (Jacqueline Du Pré, cello; New Philharmonia Orchestra; Daniel Barenboim, cond.)