Negative Positive
Title: A ponderous 'Emperor' and pretty good overtures
Review: With due respect to Mr. Morrison, I got no sense of occasion from this draggy, loggy Emperor from 1974. toward the end, Gilels took seriousness too far and lapsed into ponderousness. considering that he had a world-class technique, I was astonished that he could take the finale so slowly and make such heavy weather of it. There isn't much outstanding about Wand's quite conventional conducting, and the sound quality is no better than good FM stereo. I feel like I'm putting nails into coffins, but the cologne Radio Orch. is nobody's idea of a great ensemble, although it's a good one.The CD ends with a very forceful, well-conceive Coriolan Over. that held my attention and a conventional 'Fidelio' Over. that lacked a bit in dramatic suspense and featurees a feeble horn section. In all, this was a disappointing disc given the high praise being accorded to it.
Is the review positive or negative? 