Too rushed. This is too intricate a piece to be played at this breakneck tempo. Slow down, play it with feeling, like William Whitehead or even Ulla Olsson. The notes should speak for themselves. I bow to your technical expertise, I couldn't play it myself, but please - throttle back a notch or two!
I take your point. Dame Gillian may have been showing off a little bit but I would argue that Vierne's intention was for the Finale to be a blistering fireworks movement. The Pastorale and Andante are thoughtful and contemplative. Fast tempi would ruin them entirely. The Finale, however, is a time for emotional release, not musicological analysis. I cannot play it, either. My efforts make the dog howl. But if I could, I think I would strive for an explosive, exuberant celebration, as Dame Gillian has done here.
