Best recording / performance Dvorak Cello conc.

Dougmc, now this makes me curious to hear Rostropovich's Dvorak with Karajan on Deutsche Grammophon.

I can understand why du Pre/Barenboim was deemed less successful. Du Pre recorded this concerto late in her career and her health was already declining by that time. Still, not even considering this, I love the recording and enjoy it every time I listen to it.

Dougmc mentioned the Queyras/Belohlavek version. I just recently got this recording. An excellent performance and the recording quality was very high quality as well. I was really taken by the included piano trio, the 'Dumky'. An abundance of riches, IMHO. I've just ordered a similar recording (same crew/orchestra/hall/label) of the VC and its chamber music. I can't wait. :-)

Audiophile 1
The Classicstoday.com reviewer was somewhat less kind than you in the reasons for the perceived shortcomings of the Du Pre/Barenboim recording. In general, the reviewers at this website think Du Pre had talent but a limited range of interpretive modes and she sometimes experienced technical difficulties. They all agree her recording of the Elgar concerto is great, but also believe that British critics and fans overlook her shortcomings because multiple sclerosis cut short both here career and her life. Here are links to reviews of two recordings she made of the Dvorak concerto:
http://classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=8040
http://classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=2819

Newbee
If you're interested, here is a review of the recording of the Dvorak violin concerto you just ordered:
http://classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=8067

Doug, thanks!

These guys are a bit harsh.
I haven't heard the live recording of the Dvorak with Celibidache and can't really comment about this recording.
Du Pre was certainly a unique musician and her playing is not to everyone's taste.

Next recording of the Dvorak concerto that I would like to pick up is the Casals on Naxos.

I've not heard of the Q/Belohlavek; with the Czech P. I assume? Thanks for the heads-up on that one guys.

One I've enjoyed for years is on Chandos: R. Wallfisch, Charles Mackerras and London Symphony. Yo can find better cello peformances, but Wallfisch plays very well and the "back-up band" is the most exciting I've heard in this piece. Excellent sound, too. Not too far back in the hall as (older) Chandos is often wont to do.

Steve O.