Sir John Barbirolli Essentials

Mediterranean passion melded with British directness made Barbirolli a great interpreter of British music—his Elgar remains supreme (his Dream of Gerontius, music for strings, symphonies and the classic Cello Concerto recording with Jacqueline du Pré the highlights). But he was a magnificent opera conductor: Puccini's Madama Butterfly in his hands is unforgettable, and his recording of Verdi's Otello is superb. An unhappy time at the helm of the New York Phil was followed by a golden period in charge of Manchester's Hallé Orchestra, where he made magic happen for 25 years.