I can't help but agree,really. My initial exhilaration at some of the undoubted skill and imagination,not to mention the thunderous climaxes that I might have brained my parents with when I was a youngster ( if I'd known about it back then?) usually drains off towards the end. Some critics have compared the Asrael to Mahler. And as a fan of Mahler,that's the problem. It is an impressive piece of music. I can't really fault it;but there is something missing. If it wasn't all so skilfully put together I'd be able to put my finger on it more easily. It's even got a good tune. Probably the best bit in the work,with that aching,yearning theme in the strings. I find it quite memorable. Still,not everyone can be a Mahler!

Yes,I prefer A Summers Tale,too. I think the Asrael is worth a listen now and again,though,if only to puzzle over and give my music system a noisy workout!!
