Oops! I've just posted my reply to Mikeh opening post on the other/recent Wilson/Rachmaninoff 2 thread - sorry!
I don't think you are in a minority of 1.... my "headline" comment for the recent Ireland disc was;
"Stunning playing that on occasion could benefit from a more nuanced approach"
and for the Ravel;
"Brilliantly played but lacking magic"
I DO admire the sound this orchestra makes but I've chosen not to request the more recent releases to review (Metamorphosen/British String Music/Rach symphonies etc) simply because I'm not sure I respond to the fairly consistent interpretative approach that is becoming apparent.
Until late last year I had not had the opportunity to hear any John Wilson/Sinfonia of London recordings. Then a very generous son sent me 6 for Christmas. Since then my responses have gone from ”excellent” to “good in parts”. This set me wondering why such a change; I came to the conclusion that my first thoughts were clouded by the excellence of the Chandos recordings and the brilliance of Wilson’s orchestra.
As examples – the much lauded Pines of Rome is indeed good but surely, as a performance, nowhere near Reiner; just listen to Reiner’s build up in the final section and then compare with Wilson. Similarly on the ”Escales” disc – sounding brilliant – the Ravel is really rather poor when compared to another recent release by Trevino. Wilson has perfect playing but absolutely no atmosphere.
Finally, at the risk if heresy, the latest string music cd was also, a rather lesser, disappointment. In particular the Elgar which, from the stand-point of Barbirolli, lacks passion and “sweep” and often stutters along and all sounds a bit dis-jointed. The VW is better but again, to me, lacks the passion – that Silvestri and Barbirolli my markers here, bring to it.
I could go on and bore you but you get the point I hope! As I say, I seem to be a minority of one; are critical ears being deceived by the excellence of the playing and recording? Or do I need to seek advice from an audiologist?
OK, this is controversial, and no doubt will get a strong MWI response!
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