Alexander Nevsky / Violin Concerto
Here's an irresistible bargain: two of the glories of RCA's rich  Living Stereo catalog ononemidpriced disc. Reiner's performance of  the concert work Prokofiev fashioned from his score toEisenstein's filmbristles with  focused energy. Although the Russian text is given in English translation--the  practice four decades ago when this recording was made--the splendid chorus  and mezzo-soprano Rosalind Elias make a powerful impact. The orchestra is  outstanding, full of imaginative solo touches and immense power--the Battle on  the Ice is overwhelming, especially as captured in spectacular sound as fresh  and immediate as anything recorded today. The Khachaturian too, is  outstanding. Kogan's silky tone and idiomatic playing get everything there is  to get from one of the composer's best works. Monteux and the Bostonians match  him with verve in the outer movements and delicacy in the gorgeously sinuous  Andante Sostenuto. This disc is a must-have.--Dan Davis