Both of these pioneering, debut recordings were made in 1932, when Brahms had been dead for only 35 years. The First Quartet is a mixed blessing. The younger Artur Rubinstein plays with tremendous energy and flair, pushing the music along very strongly. But the Belgian string quartet, which was oddly popular at the time, struggles to keep up with him and commits some rather squally moments. The Second Quartet, though, is an unqualified success, a collaboration of great musicians without a weak spot anywhere. The recordings have come up in Ward Marston"s transfers with vivid sound, although the background is not always quiet. --Leslie Gerber