There must be something in the air, because I'm hearing more and more sunshine in performances of that symphony and other of his orchestral works. Pinchas Zukerman, for example, conducts Brahms in a way that the sun often shines through and there can be a sense of peace now and then.

Here's a recording of two of the composer's most popular chamber works in which a similar approach is applied. The performers, the Schubert Ensemble of London, find a wide range of expressive potential in the scores and convey them successfully much of the time.

The problem is that these pieces, especially the Quintet, are really supposed to be driven and unrelentingly powerful. Even at that, the kinder, gentler passages might fit in well if the more dramatic stuff and the big climaxes had a bit more punch.

For all that, I do recommend this CD. Ottawa listeners who remember the Schubert Ensemble for its Chamber Music Society appearances in recent years will know that the standard of playing is very high indeed. Furthermore, if this approach to these works is not entirely successful, it represents an interesting and intelligent attempt to expand our awareness of Brahms and his art.