Mr. Greg: Re: "Ha....erm...sorry? What's your reference for this?"
I agree -- despite my reservations about a latin-sounding singer playing Polish/American Tony in the conflict with the Puerto Rican gang, I never felt that there was any problem with slow tempi. Indeed, most of it is quite dynamic, even exciting.
I hadn't listened to this until DG celebrated its 101 anniversary a couple of years ago and released a box including this CD. They also included the making off in the DVD anniversary box. I listened to it but was not impressed. I might need another listen.
Also, I disliked Jose Carreras in this role. But he is not one of my preferred opera singers either...