I had the oportunity to listen this CD and I was really disapointed. I know many great versions of this piece, including Slatkin's (with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra) and Mehta`s, and this CD is so very poor recorded that I really can`t judge the Conductor/Orchestra duo. In The Great Gate of Kiev the sound is flat, lacking of energy in the brasses, and with a very so poor percussion that it is almost like there is no bass drum (even if you have a giant subwoofer) and no gong. Perhaps this is the worst recording ever of the Pictures, so do yourself a favor and just don`t buy it.