Robert Layton praised the playing or the original issue for its ''freshness and enthusiam'' and indeed found many of the dances ''enchanting'' in Abbado's hands. I wouldn't go so far as that (although certainly the wind playing in Dance No. 3 is engagingly felicitous, and there are other similar instances). But he had some reservations about the sound and so have I: it is clear and in most ways admirably truthful, but there is some lack of ambient glow and the ear is informed rather than beguiled. The reissue is at full-price (the original was a mid-price 'sampler' issued to launch DG's Brahms Edition) and now has to compete with Kurt Masur's fine set recorded for Philips with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (6514 305, 1/84). This is very well played too; perhaps Masur shows a shade less delicacy and finesse, but many may feel that the Philips sound has an agreeable Brahmsian warmth which is preferable to the more clinical detail afforded the Viennese players.'