Competition in this music is fierce, and though adequately professional, these performances just don’t measure up. The opening of Daphnis lacks atmosphere, and the initial “general dance” is stiff. Gergiev generates excitement in the scene in the pirates’ camp and in the closing bacchanal, but the slower sections fail to flow (most notably Chloé’s Dance of Supplication). The sonics don’t help–bold and bright, but also dry and unflattering (especially in the Pavane). The chorus is either nearly inaudible or way too close, with little in between. The big choral interlude just before the pirates’ scene seldom has sounded so lacking in mystery (and just plain loud). Nor are the couplings any better. Boléro has some style, and good solo work, but it somehow fails to generate much heat at the climax, and as already suggested, the Pavane falls flat.
