Classical Music / Cellists Datebook: January 26
Brief biography of Jacqueline du Pré, world-renowned British cellist whose career was sadly cut short at the age of 42 due to multiple sclerosis, but regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest cellists.
Jacqueline du Pré was born in Oxford, England, January 26, 1945, and died in London, October 19, 1987. At the age of four she already had a real talent for the cello. Along with her sister Hilary, she received her early musical training from her mother, Iris, a professional pianist and music teacher. Jacqueline du Pré subsequently studied at the Guildhall School of Music in London with William Pleeth, then in France with Paul Tortelier, in Switzerland with Pablo Casals and with Mstislav Rostropovich in Moscow. At the age of 13, William Pleeth made her play the Cello Concerto by Elgar, which she managed to memorize in only four days, and which she performed, according to Pleeth, "almost perfectly". Her debut solo recital was at Wigmore Hall in London in 1961. Afterwards, the Concerto, played for the first time when she was barely 17 years old, at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 1962, became her favourite piece.
Video: Jacqueline du Pré & Daniel Barenboim - Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85. With the New Philhamonia Orchestra. Youtube, uploaded by Julio Isaac. Accessed January 26, 2023.
In 1965 she recorded Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85, with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir John Barbirolli. Her interpretation was hailed as definitive, and the mournful piece came to be her signature. In 1967 she married Daniel Barenboim, the Argentine-born Israeli pianist and conductor, another young virtuoso, and the couple toured the world, often performing with the Israeli violinist Pinchas Zukerman.
Video: Tribute to Jacqueline du Pré | by AllegroFilms. Sorry, due to copyright reasons, we are not allowed to embed this video. Please watch it directly at Youtube: Here - Tribute to Jacqueline du Pré.
In 1970 du Pré began to experience bouts of weakness and loss of sensation in her limbs, accompanied by fatigue and depression. Believing that her symptoms were rooted in psychological stress, doctors recommended a sabbatical. She returned to performing in 1973, but her technique had become inconsistent, resulting in the first negative reviews of her career. The true cause of her symptoms remained unidentified until October 1973, when she was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis ended her playing career, although she continued to teach when her health permitted it. Jacqueline du Pré died on 19 October 1987 at the age of 42, putting an end to an extremely painful and incapacitating affliction. Her death remains one of the greatest tragedies of modern music history. Rest in peace Jacqui du Pré; thank you for the music.
Suggested links:
Jacqueline du Pré - Dvořák Cello Concerto – London Symphony Orchestra cond. Daniel Barenboim. Youtube, uploaded by blue8348. Accessed January 26, 2023.
Jacqueline du Pre plays Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor (Op.129). Youtube, uploaded by Araks Gyulumyan. Accessed January 26, 2023.
Remembering Jacqueline du Pré, Youtube, uploaded by Southbank Centre. Accessed January 26, 2023.
Tribute to Jacqueline du Pré | by AllegroFilms. Youtube, uploaded by Allegro Films. Accessed January 26, 2023.
Image Credit:
Jacqueline Du Pré. Uploaded by Southbank Centre February 18, 2010. On 21st March 2010 Southbank Centre hosted 'Honouring Jacqueline du Pré'. Accessed January 26, 2023 in remembrance of her.
Resource:
Jacqueline Du Pré. en.wikipedia.org.
(c) January 2023. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.
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