"In Gatti's performance [of the Fifth], the detail of the wind scoring is continually and vividly revealed, helped by some superb playing from the RPO's soloists…. The first movement is invigorating, the forward thrust carrying from beginning to end. The primary secondary theme is graceful and romantic, rather than ardently passionate in a Slavic manner. The great climaxes of the slow movement are spacious but not viscerally overwhelming, and the powerful interruptions of the motto theme are less theatrical than usual. The Abbey Road recording is first class, full-bodied, with resplendent brass, and glowing woodwind and horns…. Gatti's acount of Romeo and Juliet is superbly characterised. It opens chillingly, then introduces the great love theme very gently, followed by the most delicate moonlight sequence. The central climax … is terrific, and the love theme blooms gloriously in a great curving sweep of violins. What more can you ask?"—Gramophone