While flamboyant at times, Backhaus approaches these piano works with such an unpretentious familiarity and intimacy that you feel as if you may be hearing Brahms himself performing these works in private and for his own pleasure. In the Op. 118, for example, Backhaus may segue from piece to piece, lending an organic quality to the set as a whole that many other readings lack. The contemplative stillness that performers such as Lupu and Gould found in these works are for the most part missing, however at times (in the Op.117, #1, for example) Backhaus reveals extraordinary beauty in turns of phrase that stand out in their sensitivity and gentleness. For those who want only one recording of these works, this may not be it, but for those who already love the music on this recording and are thirsty for a fresh and singular interpretation of this magical music, this comes very highly recommended.