Saturday, April 29, 2000
Truls Mork's cello enlivens orchestra
Norwegian plays with individuality, imagination
By Janelle Gelfand
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Truls Mork is surely one of the two or three best cellists in the world right now.
The Norwegian player paid a visit to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Friday morning, with Dvorak's lyrical Cello Concerto in B Minor. It's not surprising that cellists and audiences alike love this piece, which matches warm Slavonic melody against moments of fiery virtuosity.
Although Mr. Mork possesses the requisite technique, it was the passion, spontaneity and freshness that he brought to the concerto that elevated his performance above the mainstream. Adding impact was the unusually dark, resonant tone he achieved on his instrument, a 1723 Montagnana, which seemed tailor-made to play Dvorak.
Rich, beautiful sound
Mr. Mork is a refined player, who has the ability to summon a spectrum of emotions and colors. The 39-year-old cellist wrapped his tall form around his cello, at times swaying, and projected a rich, beautiful sound that was almost vocal in quality.
The first movement crackled with intensity, as he easily tackled its technical pitfalls. In an era where many soloists sound alike, he brought unending individuality to his music making. One memorable moment was a delicate duo between the cellist and CSO principal flutist Randolph Bowman.
His playing was imaginative in the songful second movement, as he turned to communicate with other musicians. The finale was both supercharged and melodious. Its breathtaking runs, arpeggios and trills were flawlessly executed; the audience of 2,314 responded with a standing ovation.
The orchestra, led by Jesus Lopez-Cobos, collaborated well, and hornist Thomas Sherwood contributed a beautiful solo in the opening tutti.
Romance continues
The romantic theme continued in two works by Rachmaninoff. The program opened with Rachmaninoff's poignant Vocalise, a tender tune originally for soprano and piano. Although Mr. Lopez-Cobos slowed at the end of nearly every phrase, the strings had a lovely texture and principal clarinetist Richard Hawley shone in a well-shaped solo.
The afternoon ended with Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2. Mr. Lopez-Cobos drew a big, rich sound from the orchestra, favoring its romantic melodies over its underlying melancholy.
Among notable soloists, English hornist Robert Walters stood out in the first movement, and the horn section shone in the scherzo. But it was the third movement, with the type of love theme for which Rachmaninoff is known, that was the heart and soul of this performance. It featured a stunning, long-breathed solo by Mr. Hawley.
After intermission, four orchestra members were recognized for 25 years of service: cellist Norman Johns, principal trumpeter Philip Collins, violinist Lois Reid Johnson and librarian Mary Judge.
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