Even better, the performances are right up there with the sound. Paavo Järvi conducts Petrouchka with impetuous energy and a high rhythmic potency supported by buoyant, sharply accented and rhythmically alert playing from all sections of the Cincinnati Symphony. Michael Chertock's clever, whimsical pianism gives vivid life to the hapless marionette, while the Cincinnati winds offer highly colorful characterizations of their own.

Järvi's Firebird suite also flows along with bracing energy and an irresistible momentum. Listen to how the Cincinnati brass ripple and roar in the Infernal Dance, one of the more exciting versions on disc (although George Szell's stunning Cleveland performance remains unsurpassed for enthralling virtuosity). Järvi's light and bouncy rendition of Scherzo ā la Russe forms an ideal bridge between the two larger works. This is fabulous music-making, translated with unerring fidelity to your listening room. So what if it's war-horse repertoire? This is one great disc!