You might find other sets of Prokofiev's symphonies like Jarvi's for more money that might edge out this set, but for the money it really can't be beat. The French National Orchestra which is not world renowned is good because I believe Rostropovich is good. It is the Leopold Stokowski effect where Stokowski used to conduct many different orchestras, but always have that "sound." Anyone who is considering the Ozawa/Berlin PO version of Prokofiev symphonies should seriously consider this set to be superior in interpretation and almost a match in execution of the orchestral parts. Rostropovich's temperment in the symphonies is much more even and steady than Jarvi's. In a sense I am about to contradict myself by saying you wouldn't be sorry if this was the last set of Prokofiev symphonies that you've ever collected. I believe that it is that good. Therefore a five star recommendation.