Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern - Brahms: Double Concerto, Piano Quartet, Op. 60 (2013)

With a "bonus" eighth track of the Rondo alla Zingarese-Presto from Brahms' First Piano Quartet filling out this CD to a near maximal 75 minutes and 55 seconds, this disc is a steal.
The Double Concerto by Brahms is an energetic and riveting yet enigmatic addition to the concerto repertoire. With a combination of solo instruments not widely used since the Baroque era due to their contrasting sounds, this work presents some unique challenges in finding the proper balance between orchestra, solo violin, and solo cello. Happily, this interpretation of the piece blends all of these elements perfectly. The orchestral tuttis are for the most part bold, yet entirely appropriate to the soloists' styles. Likewise, Stern and Ma blend together, trading off importance throughout the piece as if sharing one instrument and one mind. However, the recording becomes rather static-y in the loud sections and there are some disruptively noticeable splices in the recording (for example, 53 seconds into the third movement) that will probably annoy audiophiles. That said, it's an excellent performance.
With only four performers (Ax, Stern, Laredo, Ma), the piano quartet following does not have the same recording problems faced when trying to capture an entire symphony orchestra; listening to it is a pleasure. Although perhaps more famous for his symphonic works, Brahms genius truly comes across in this more intimate form, and you can be sure that players such as these are able to bring out every expressive nuance of the performance. There's a bit of excess string buzz noise (perhaps from the placement of the microphones?), but this one sounds almost as good as in a concert hall. Highly recommended.