I don't remember who reviewed the big mono Ormandy box in the Times, but there was screaming in classical music discussion groups (at least ones I'm in) about the condescending and unenthusiastic assessment. I was annoyed at the shortsighted and not especially enthusiastic assessment of Artur Rodzinski in the Times review of a box devoted to his performances. It does sound like Barone here is making a point of acknowledging that, like all conductors, Dudamel's recordings are uneven and he doesn't have a comparable level of understanding in all pieces. Barone certainly seems to think some of the recordings are very fine.
I should add that Dudamel does have defenders in these groups, people who think he is a major talent who has given many exciting performances and has a talent for getting the best out of orchestras.
I guess at some point I will start to hear some of his recordings and performances, but I will probably continue to feel that when I have Karajan, Klemperer, Walter, Kubelik, etc., to choose from for standard rep, I already have a wealth of riches to choose from. So it may be nonstandard rep in which I am more likely to hear him. |
