Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

"This is one of the very few discs containing both concertos that withstands comparison to the benchmark Schiff/Maxim Shostakovich release on Philips. It's so good that I can even forgive the usual gasps and groans from Mørk that seem to come with the territory whenever cellists are involved. For all the near insanity of the playing he's always in command, pouring out rich tone, and completely secure as regards intonation. It just makes the interpretations all the more powerful. Whether it's cooking or drag racing, these performances smoke-no doubt about it." (10/10 ClassicsToday)

"there is little doubt that the present performance of the First Concerto is even more incisive than its predecessor...Petrenko draws out a wealth of fascinating detail from the orchestral accompaniment...The Second Concerto, on the other hand, doesn't convince me to the same extent." (5 Stars BBC Music)

"the cleanness and accuracy of the orchestral playing bring out in more than usual detail the remarkable economy of the scoring [of the First Concerto]...Mork is more forthright at the opening of [the first movement] than many of his rivals, but his playing is high on emotional content." (International Record Review)