Jansons’ first recording of Prokofiev’s Fifth, with the Leningrad Philharmonic for Chandos, was nothing special, and neither is this remake. New recordings of this symphony seem to be sprouting up like weeds, and have about as much appeal. Sure, the playing is fine, even handsome, and Jansons’ tempos are lively. He obviously knows the work. However, as seems to be standard practice today, the climaxes are underpowered, the heavy percussion conspicuous by its absence, and the entire affair has a strong feeling of routine. That’s what happens when you make recordings based on your average night’s subscription concert. What you get, not surprisingly, is a souvenir of an average night’s subscription concert. Nothing more, nothing less, and I won’t waste your time further on this utterly generic, pointless release. The absence of a coupling makes this full-priced disc a double rip-off. SACD surround sonics allow you to envelop yourself in mediocrity, should you feel so inclined. Yippee!
