Sergei Prokofiev: War And Peace

With the Bolshoi version hard to find, it is appreciable to have access to an idiomatic, all-Russian recording of War and Peace. This is a first-rate, exciting performance. However, what is not made clear on the packaging of this expensive set (or on Amazon) is that this is a live recording. Some may find the uneven audibility of singers, or stage noise during ballet or crowd scenes, disappointing or distracting. Overall, too, the recording level is low. It is as well to know before buying.