“In concert, some conductors like to push the tempos in the louder sections of the “Rite,” perhaps thinking that it’ll better convey the music’s wild, thorny spirit since they don’t have to keep dancers in mind. I’ve always thought that rushing through a ceremony cheapens it, and this applies to the “Rite” as well. Going by the performance on Thursday, Nelsons seems to be of similar opinion. Momentum and intensity, not speed, took primacy. Each surging accent was deliberate and ominous, and all we could do was listen.”

Boston Globe