Title: Over the top and self-indulgent
Product review: For all of the hype he has received, Lang Lang has (at best) a spotty track record when it comes to recorded performances. Perhaps he is a more compelling performer in a live concert setting, but we provincials wouldn't know about that & are forced to rely on the recorded medium. It appears that Lang Lang is beginning to believe the hyperbole of his own press & has decided to abandon any pretence of having depth & nuance. All we have here is self-indulgence & caricature.Gergiev, who seems to be gravitating towards more extreme tempi & dynamics every time I hear newer recordings of his, does nothing to rein in Lang Lang and simply allows him to run amok. The result is a ridiculous & unlistenable recording. Don't buy into the hype --- this sucks.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
