Jacobs seems determined to shock the "establishment" -- even though he IS the establishment at this point. Faster tempi only adds excitement on a superficial level; all the cacophonous kettledrums and bleating brass can't redeem this tripe. Clarity and texture - the raison d'etre of HIP - are, ironically, not served by these tempi, and the strings are monstered by the winds and brass. Jacobs and his ilk fancy themselves iconoclasts. That alone should induce caution. He is more provocateur than musician, and it shows. This may be the worst, most unmusical, sour, and ugly Magic Flute I've ever had the misfortune to hear. Look elsewhere unless you are looking for a novelty. At full price, it is an outrageous waste of your money.