Note also the changes in Walter's conducting in just the later years of his life: There was a tendency for his tempos to become somewhat slower: e.g., Mahler 1, Schubert 9, Brahms 1 & 2, Beethoven 9. But no particular changes in his Mozart, other Beethoven & Schubert. So it seems that any conclusions would be rather limited. And I forgot to mention the Mahler 9th, which is almost a different work in 1961 then it was in 1938. Of course, Los Angeles in 1961 was a quite different place than was Vienna in 1938, also. I'm not making a judgmental statement here. In fact, my preference goes to the first Mahler 1, and the last Schubert 9 and Mahler 9. I remember hearing John McClure, his Columbia record producer, being disapppointed in the later Schubert C-major; he had anticipated something like the NY Phil of the late 40s. By the way, I wish that earlier one would appear on CD. Bill S