Bernard Chasan:

>The discussions under the subject title of this note are downright
>surrealistic because they are generally not about Levine at all, but
>rather about Munch and others.  Levine is dismissed from consideration,
>and generally disapproved for musical reasons which "everybody" knows.
>I need enlightenment.  Why the negativity?

I can tell you my reasons, and, if anything, I was predisposed to like
Levine's music-making, since he studied with one of my favorite conductors,
George Szell.  However, I've never heard a recording of his (my only
experience with Levine) that wasn't plodding, pokey, dull, and only
minimally capable.  His Wagner to me lacks drama.  His Mahler lacks
forward drive.  I have no idea why he gets the gigs he gets.

Steve Schwartz