CD REVIEW: Seattle Post-Intelligencer Really Digs New PJ/Mork/Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France CD

Cellist Truls Mork releases new CD
by R.M. Campbell
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 18, 2005

Schumann's Cello Concerto, Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" and Bloch's "Schelomo," with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, conducted by Paavo Jarvi. (EMI Classics)

In its short but brilliant history, the International Music Festival introduced an amazing number of notable European artists, some virtually unknown in the U.S., to Seattle. One of the most dazzling was Norwegian cellist Truls Mork, who made his local debut in 1994.

He has returned, never failing to impress with the eloquence of his musicality, warmth of tone and generous intelligence. Those traits are in abundance in his recording of deeply romantic works for cello and orchestra.

What's notable is Mork's ability to balance the sometimes overwrought quality of the music with gravity and refinement. The sheer beauty of his playing never falters.

GRADE: A