Syms 1/5/Lieutenant Kije Suite

Sergei Prokofiev's "Fifth Symphony" is monumental in a number of ways. The Opus 100 for any composer is a landmark. It is a milestone in the life of a creating musical artist. Prokofiev chose to celebrate this by writing a symphony which would celebrate "the grandeur of the human spirit" - and he has done just that. Michael Tilson Thomas leads the London Symphony Orchestra remarkably. The composer's text is epic - calling for an enormous orchestra. Prokofiev often augmented the highs and lows in his orchestration: E-flat clarinet, piccolo, xylophone and bells - piano, bass drum, tuba, contrabassoon et al, respectively. What is most extraordinary about this particular recording is the detail and finesse with which the orchestra plays. There are many moments of excitement and sensation. MTT makes the most of many moments and leads the work with fire at times, subtlety and quiet intensity at others. There is some careless brass vibrato at times, more piano-tremolo than necessary at other times, but always bravaura and emotion throughout. Montreal may have a better First Movement with Dutoit, and Karajan may have the more historic reading - but this recording is not be to ignored. It is essential in the recorded history of the work, and in the conductor's personal catalogue of work on disc. Very exciting output! The rest of the collection contains fine recordings of Prokofiev's oeuvre - even the "Classical Symphony, op. 25", a mainstay in the repertoire of every major orchestra. Colin Davis is not quite the inspiration in his accounts, but is able and provides decent interpretations. Well-worth owning at this great price. A must-own for the Fifth, truly one of Prokofiev's greatest works.