‘The Takács Quartet extracts every ounce out of a score that pulsates with energy and convey its progression with unerring fluency. Opus 67 carries an ineffable charm. A thoroughly rewarding album’ (The Northern Echo)

‘Their approach is alert, texturally clear and passionate … these are admirable performances which I recommend to any prospective buyer … this new Takács reading weighs in at the top end of the many available versions’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘The Takács chart the music's undulating emotions with a compelling assuredness … playing of radiant warmth and phrasal sensitivity. Andrew Keener and Simon Eadon work wonders in capturing a warm yet articulate ambience for these physically imposing and richly detailed scores. Strongly recommended’ (International Record Review)

‘Matchless accounts of two lyrically gorgeous works full of colour and melody’ (Lady)

‘Glorious performances … [they] can take their place beside any of the great chamber music recordings of the past, and will continue to set standards for years to come’ (Gramophone)

‘These are superb performances; the recording is vivid and immediate’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

‘A treasure trove. Glorious music, gloriously played’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘74 minutes of ravishing beauty’ (Amazon.co.uk)

'Valery Gergiev strides on stage, throws down the gauntlet, and accomplishes a coup, declaring himself a major new Brahms interpreter to be contended with … this is very strongly recommended’’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘‘Gergiev finally gets around to Brahms, and continues to impress and surprise … the sound keeps getting better and better the longer LSO Live goes at it’’ (Audiophile Audition, USA)

'This is the most compelling new recording of the First that I've heard in a long time … all four pieces show that Gergiev has a point of view in Brahms. Whether you agree with it wholly or not, this is what makes these performances so good. Gergiev's way with Brahms—broad, lush, passionate—is not the only way; but it is consistent and very enjoyable' (American Record Guide)

‘‘This Brahms double album enshrines performances that Valery Gergiev gave with the LSO at the Barbican in the latter months of 2012, and they richly deserved preservation. Gergiev produces a gripping, architecturally secure account of the First Symphony … Gergiev’s account of the Second … is refined and sensitive’’ (BBC Music Magazine)