Richard Osborne described this Zimerman/Bernstein account of Brahm's First Concerto as ''narcissistic, so intolerably self-regarding'' although he also found the performance ''overflowing with sensibility and care''. The rapt concentration in the slow movement is very compelling and this would undoubtedly be memorable on a 'live occasion', but for repeated gramophone listening it is difficult to recommend. The CD is appealing as an overall sound balance, though less impressive in presence and clarity than the Ashkenazy/Haitink CD which is out of Decca's second-from-the-top drawer, the sound extremely vivid, if just a shade too forwardly balanced. But for CD collectors the Decca remains a clear first choice.'