Prokofiev – Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra - Symphony No. 5 Mp3

I lack the context and expertise to definitively compare this release to other recorded performances; however, I can say that the Philadelphia Orchestra make a very tightly rehearsed performance with plenty of vigor and nuance. Each movement contains some very well conducted tempo variations, quick runs, and percussion moments. The final movements of each side have a befitting ferocity and viciousness, the opening ones great emotion and grandeur. If anything, the bits where Prokofiev's music builds to a frenzy, swoons in ecstasy, or sinks into despair could sound a little LESS controlled; it's almost as if the orchestra are telling this incredible story full of pathos and zeal, and telling it well, yet not quite living it, or making us do so. The recording is excellent from a technical perspective, with different parts of the orchestra speaking very clearly.
Prokofiev's score itself is incredible. The arc of each movement is well conceived and there is not a single dull moment. The tempo changes, quick descending runs, percussion rolls and stings, which I mentioned above: these all give any good orchestra a chance to show off, and in the hands of a competent one like we hear on this recording they create a steady stream of rewarding moments. Passages are arranged with great clarity, so in frantic passages voices speak all at once and crash over one another, in calmer ones they swell and decline beautifully together, and in neither does the sound become at all muddy or unclear. As a whole, the range of emotions present is incredible, their depth profound; each movement has a satisfying trajectory, and together they compose a wholly rewarding work. Prokofiev's symphony offers an ensemble many chances to demonstrate that they are good, and tantalizingly hangs the possibility that it may become great.
Watch for: the tambourine part right at the end of the fourth movement which anticipates the surf rock backbeat by a few decades.