The first thing to note about this outstanding issue is that it is the only recording of Prokofiev's score that is complete on CD. The performance you are most likely to have seen, that choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton for the Royal Ballet, omits a considerable number of dances.
The CD also has a practical advantage over the LP issue, warmly welcomed as it was by MEO, in that the two discs are very fully banded. There are 50 bands in all. With this sort of score this is in itself a great advantage and one must commend Decca's thoroughness. Also, by the way, there are sensibly long gaps between the acts. Otherwise the music of course plays continuously if one wants it to.
The sound of these CDs is tremendously vivid and as alive as is Ashkenazy's performance. Most of us have remarked on the reproduction of the percussion instruments in particular on CD. Here the bass drum is heard with stunning effect! All the rest of the orchestra sounds well too, the reproduction of the solo violins being as faithful as that of the full orchestra.'