Neeme Järvi is turning into a modern-day Albert Coates: a conductor who plays almost everything fast. In the case of the two overtures, which contain some of the worst (or dullest) music by Wagner or anyone else, that’s a good thing. He makes the music enjoyable, almost fun, and certainly rousing. The Tristan prelude, though, is simply too quick. Certainly a degree of urgency is welcome, and the Liebestod rises to a climax of almost hysterical passion. There’s a lot to be said for Järvi’s sense of drama, but the music also occasionally needs repose, as well as mystery and languor–all qualities notably missing in this performance. Still, this is light-years more interesting than Edo de Waart’s dull RCA recording of this 50-minute suite–and with fine playing and vivid sonics, this disc is certainly recommendable.
