Many of the reservations I had over the sound of the LP version of this complete Firebird recording disappear on CD. The dynamic level gives satisfying weight and body to the heavy brass, and though Kastchei's Dance may lack the immediacy which Dorati's Decca recording gives it—and for Ozawa refinement rather than dynamism is the keynote—it now no longer seems underpowered. Beautifully as the Boston orchestra plays, I would still recommend Davis (Philips) in preference on interpretation and Dorati in preference on brilliance of recording. Between the two there may be room for Ozawa, though remember that the Philips CD transfer of Davis's original analogue recording is still remarkably fine and well-balanced.'