We've commented many times that ABRSM's exam metronome markings seem often to be on the quick side (and we know Burgmuller was also equally enthusiastic about tempo markings hence the title of this thread!), but even on non-exam ABRSM publishings, some of the tempi are frankly ridiculous.
I'm having a go at my favourite of Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words - Op. 53 No.2. The ABRSM publication I have puts a metronome marking at crotchet = 104. The CD I have (Andras Schiff) would average at 86, and the lovely version in the video below is a tiny fraction slower than that (but has more rubato, which is fine given that the intruction by Mendelssohn is "Sehr Innig").
Seriously, does anyone believe this piece needs to go any faster than this lady is playing it, let alone the 20% faster that the ABRSM publication would suggest?
Do you think the editor of these publications actually played through the piece at his suggested marking? Struggling to believe that unless, as I hinted, the metronome is faulty.
Any other bonkers ABRSM tempo markings and / or any thoughts?