At first I found this frustrating. I can imagine the orchestra having the same thoughts. Another conductor I have watched rehearse had a similar approach, Sir John Barbirolli. Such attention to detail is what makes the whole so wonderful and it is an education to listen to. Then there is the Requiem, coupled with Bruckner's Te Deum.
Details are there in perfect harmony with the chorus, soloists and orchestra.
The violins and chorus in the Lacrimosa bring tears to my eyes, so aching is the experience. The Schubert 9 th , is the stereo recording from 1959. Many critics have placed this as among the top recordings of the piece. While I love this interpretation, I find it a bit boring in places. Then, just when I am about to decide it is boring, Walter does something beautiful that captivates me.