 He complimented Sylvan's diction and "emotional engagement", but noted that some words were difficult to make out.Stabler called the timpanist's performance during Britten's symphony "fierce" and the orchestra's playing "clear and intentional".In his review of the Carnegie Hall performance, Stabler opined that the Oregon Symphony's program (which he described as one of "rage, brutality and fleeting beauty that required the utmost precision and ferocity from the musicians") focused more on playing, while the programs by other orchestras drew attention to the music.