"The glorious performances on this CD have never before been available on CD (outside Japan). Taking full advantage of the Gewandhaus' characteristic aural glow, these readings will soon work themselves to the top of the list of the complete Brahms symphony cycles.
'Symphony No. 1' receives a monumental performance with some delicious violin and oboe solos in the slow movement and the Gewandhausorchester's wind section delivers jewel after jewel in the 'Variations on a theme by Haydn'."