Negative Positive
Title: Outdated Recording Doesn't Hold Up
Review: There's little doubt that, at the time, the Toscanini/Shaw collaborations were models for decades of classical music listeners. However, today, with the advancements in recording techniques and the availability of a wide-range of performers, these recordings are beginning to sound dated. The studio sound of the recording definately limits the dramatic impact, especially of this Missa Solemnis. The soloists, too, sing in a dated style which only serves to detract and not inspire.The tempi are also too slow and Toscanini inspires very little "magic" from the orchestra. Again, the studio recording often produces a sawing tone from the strings and a blasting tone from the brass. All in all, listeners would be better suited by more modern recordings.
Is the review positive or negative? 