Barenboim on Beethoven: The A Major Cello Sonata Op. 69 with Jacqueline du Pré (Ep. 8)

In 1970, conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim and his close friend, filmmaker Christopher Nupen, collaborated on a thirteen-part series about Ludwig van Beethoven’s music - marking the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth. Lost to the British public for half a century, this series of films has never been shown together on national television in the UK. Now, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary in 2020, the episodes have been resurrected in their original form. In Episode 8, Barenboim returns to Beethoven’s preoccupation with the pursuit of happiness and takes a closer look at his Op. 69 Cello Sonata: inter lacrimas et luctus, “between tears and grief.” Fifty years after its recording, episode eight captures the effortless musicality and irrepressible joy that have made generations of music lovers fall in love with Jacqueline du Pré. Having recently married Daniel Barenboim, “Jackie” joins her husband in this historic duet. Music piece excerpts performed: