Few can rival Valery Gergiev's pedigree in Prokofiev's music, and he is palpably aware of how this score works in the theatre. His pacing of events is masterly, with plenty of verve and passion… what really impresses… is the tenderness and poetry that are so often overlooked in Prokofiev, and not just in the love music. Gergiev frequently lets the strings and solo woodwind linger in a beguiling, natural rubato, whilst maintaining an architectural grasp of the tragic whole.

Gergiev is in his element and not just in moments of gritty angularity or romantic excess. The lighter numbers, sometimes taken more spaciously than usual, are equally memorable.

The LSO play with real passion and energy throughout and every section of the orchestra is superb. The brass are rich and lyrical, noble and melodic or snarling and angry depending on the demands of the music, while the woodwind are on fine form throughout, commenting expressively on the action or portraying the emotions of the characters...All in all it is a superb reading of Prokofiev's supreme masterpiece, and thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

This is music in which Gergiev has few peers today...he brings an epic, symphonic and dramatic integrity to its vast, multifaceted canvas...his London forces respond to Gergiev’s often hair-raising volatility with some of their most dynamic playing

...the complete ballet is a treasure-house of wonderful music...in the hands of Gergiev and the LSO there is always a moment of delight around the corner. Wonderful for dipping into.