Balakirev: Symphony No. 1 & Symphonic Poems / Svetlanov, USSR State Symphony

These performances have passion and urgency, a natural feeling for idiomatic phrasing and rhythm. Rarely if ever on disc has there been such a radiant account on disc of the symphony's lovely slow movement.

– Penguin Guide

Of his masterpiece Tamara this is a very good performance indeed, and every bit as colorful and mysterious.

– Gramophone