Jacqueline Mary du Pré OBE (26 January 1945 – 19 October 1987) was a British cellist, acknowledged as one of the greatest players of the instrument. She is particularly associated
with Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor; her interpretation of that work has been described as "definitive" and "legendary".
Her career was cut short by multiple sclerosis, which forced her to cease performing at the age of 28, and led to her premature death.
Following her death, her older sister Hilary du Pré and younger brother Piers wrote a book about their family life,
A Genius in the Family. It was the basis for the movie Hilary and Jackie.
2. What is it that makes some artists live longer and brighter in the memory? In Jacqueline du Pré's case, she not only surprised and delighted us with her music, she had ways of touching the heart that are given to very, very few.
