Thanks Luca! I listened to the Abbado again, and while I find the first half too sedate, the second half rescues it. The Norrington is missing something, for me at least. I remember when his set of overtures came out, I was excited about it. Listening to it again I find it overly mannered, a bit lightweight, and at moments even a little uninspired. But these things are subjective as always.
For my money Abbado and the COE deserves a first recommendation.
You shoud listen to Roger Norrington with London Classical Players on EMI too.
Thanks Luca! I listened to the Abbado again, and while I find the first half too sedate, the second half rescues it. The Norrington is missing something, for me at least. I remember when his set of overtures came out, I was excited about it. Listening to it again I find it overly mannered, a bit lightweight, and at moments even a little uninspired. But these things are subjective as always.