Sergei Prokofiev: War And Peace

Valery Gergiev's version of this long and involved opera demonstrates one of the benefits of an ensemble system (particularly when the ensemble members have no place else to go). It offers a huge and generally outstanding cast, including the luxe casting of the remarkable Olga Borodina in the minor role of Helene. The Kirov edition is uncut, although the listener may discover that there are often pretty good reasons for traditional excisions. The sound is quite good. Gergiev and company may also be seen and heard in good form in their video presentation of this opera in the stark production by British director Graham Vick. --Sarah Bryan Miller