Gergiev brought out of the London Symphony Orchestra a range of new colors when they played Prokofiev’s music, and this recording of the complete Romeo & Juliet ballet is a superb reminder of the Gergiev-LSO partnership. Full of glorious melodies; rich, vivid colors; and a really astounding rhythmic life, this is one of Prokofiev’s finest theatrical scores. And Gergiev is a true man of the theater, often conducting for dancers—experience that gives his performance of the ballet real authority.
- Berlin Philharmonic & Claudio Abbado
- Ernest Ansermet & Vienna Philharmonic
- Philharmonia Orchestra & Robert Craft
- London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra & Walter Weller
- The Cleveland Orchestra
- Claudio Abbado