Search - Antonin Dvorak, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Mariss Jansons :: Truls Mørk ~ Dvorak - Cello Concerto · Tchaikovsky - Rococo Variations / Jansons

The best I know for those seeking a modern stereo version

E. Davis | Bloomfield, NJ USA | 12/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My copy is older than the one offered here. I don't have the digitally remastered version. Nevertheless, this recording is an amazing achievement. I own about 35 different versions of the Dvorak Concerto #2 in b minor. (Yes, there is a #1 in A major, but never orchestrated by Dvorak.) His bowing is seamless. As one of my former cello teachers said, "he plays like a young Rostropovich." His reading is passionate and yet tender where called for. His timing and intonation are impeccable. None of the excesses of Jacqueline duPre here and the mediocre accompanient of the Chicago Symphony Orchesta. This is surely one of the most grand, symphonic concertos I know of for any instrument. As such, the orchestra takes on added importance and must be an equal partner. If Dvorak didn't care about the orchestra, he would have made this a sonata and not a concerto. There are two other orchestra that are slightly better on record: the NY Philharmonic (Yo Yo Ma) and the London Symphony Orchestra (Janos Starker). However, neither of these two soloists are the equal of Mork. Starker's version is curiously matter of fact. It doesn't sing where it should. Nevertheless, it is a fine recording. Ma's recording seems somewhat reticent, but much better than his first attempt. The Rose/Ormandy recording seems to drag, despite the fine contribution of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Harrell/Ashkenazy recording never really catches fire despite a meltingly beautiful second movement. The Rostropovich recordings with the BSO and BPO are very fine indeed and you won't be sorry to own either of them. Of the two Piatagorsky recordings (both mono), the one with Munch is a non-starter due to poor intonation. The one with Ormandy is available on a CD with the Saint-Saens concerto #1 and the Kol Nidre. If you like this coupling, buy it for the Kol Nidre. I have never heard a finer interpretation. There's no point in going on and on about other recordings. The Mork is simply in a class by itself and his rendition of the Rococo Variations is absolutely spellbinding and Jansons proves himself to be a fine partner even if his orchestra does not equal the very best. It's good enough for me."

More from Truls Mørk

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 08/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As is not uncommon among those who treasure classical music, diverting attention to a particular artist provides not only satisfaction to the senses but also invigoration to the intellect. And for this listener such is the happy case for playing all of the recordings available in the personal library of the extraordinary Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk!



On this CD Mørk is joined by Mariss Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic in a fine reading of the Dvorak Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104. Not being a devotee of this particular work brings a sense of spontaneity to hearing the old chestnut in the hands of a new artist, and for the first time the Dvorak work garners more importance: instead of being just a simply lovely Romantic era concerto, here is glows with an intensity in Mørk's bowing technique that is unlike any performance this listener has heard. It is a remarkably fine and significant experience.



But the true reason for adding this recording to the library is the amazing, dazzling, and gorgeous 'Variations on a Rococo Theme, for cello & orchestra in A major, Op. 33 by Tchaikovsky. Just when we think we've heard all the subtleties of this work in the hands of other cellists, up pops a definitive version that challenges even the more popular ones by better known cellists. The result is one of the very finest Rococo Variations ever recorded. It deserves very wide attention! Grady Harp, August 06

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Fantastic!!!!!!

Grady Harp | 01/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the best renditions, if not THE best, of the incredibly beautiful rococo variations by Tchaikovsky. If you like cello buy it now!"