Franz Schmidt 4/Honeck

[Alan Howe]

This surely ought to be issued commercially:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g85TEYKVulc

[Alan Howe]

In my experience (not that extensive, I admit), Honeck is the only conductor (apart from Mehta) to get the slow movement absolutely right - and it's because he dares to adopt a really spacious tempo. Have a listen from 14:53...

[Reverie]

Choice of tempo can enliven or destroy a work.

My University professor always said as a rule of thunmb "If it's marked quick it's usually played too quick and if it's marked slow ...... "

Golo Berg's interpretation of Grimm's Symphony (intro to 1st movement) is a case in point. The tempo is so slow you'd be asleep before the Allegro actually started.

Mendelssohn's Italian opening is often played as if it's a race/competition  to show off the orchestra's expertise.

Rant over 

[Alan Howe]

Your rants are always worth reading! Please don't stop!