Mravinsky premiered the 5th in 1937, in the USSR,. He went on premier the 6th, the 8th (which Shostakovich dedicated to him) and several other of the composer's works.. Although this is not the recording to pull out if you want to show off your high-end speakers for friends, the sound is more than adequate to enjoy a masterful performance captured live, probably in the 60s or early 70s. Despite a few coughs on the first movement of the 5th, these are certainly very important recordings for Shostakovich enthusiasts . First there is the historical significance of hearing a Soviet era performance conducted by the man who premiered the piece in the 30s,. But it is also important because it is one of the few truly excellent versions of the 5th. If you can get Mravinsky's more recent version, recorded in the US, then go with that., It is also fantastic AND has superior sound quality. Either way, at this price, this is a real treat for fans of Shostakovich. Recommended.