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The symphonies come in the form of recent recordings by Jaap Van Zweden and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra (replaced in the Second by the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra of Holland). These interpretations have been highly praised by some.

The string quartets are handled by the Tokyo String Quartet (the Vox recordings from 1986). The all-important piano quintet and horn trios are compelling (Nash Ensemble). A nice inclusion is the original two-piano version of the piano quintet (Op. 34b), which I had not heard previously. The solo piano works shouldn't disappoint either. The most important of these (the Ballades, Rhapsodies, Op. 76 pieces and late masterworks Opp. 116-119) are handled by Håkon Austbø, who is also featured on Brilliant's Grieg Centenary Edition set. They are to be praised for making quality performances of all of Brahms' incredible chamber and piano music available at this price.

Interestingly, over one-third of the set consists of vocal and choral music, including more than a dozen CDs devoted to songs with piano accompaniment, a genre that was well worn by Romantic composers eager to supplement their income streams, but which in Brahms case ended up being completely overshadowed by his orchestral, chamber and piano music. 

Johannes Brahms: Complete works / all 161 works. 

60 CD. Brilliant Classics, extra CD 61 with info.

Gespot....