In the process of revaluing Brahms (for myself) I have moved away from Lupu (nostalgically lovely as it is) towards the few Richter recordings and the Afanassiev - thanks for the tip, Mandryka, I found this recording on line. I agree that this music must be more passionate and above all more riven, more Russian novel, in fact - he was a great friend of Turgenev's. I must get hold of the Gay book you recommend with that Brahms piece - I couldn't find the article on line. The Yudina notes are absorbing, thank you ccar! Her words on "Didn't our hearts burn within us?" and also quotations about parks and natural vistas are illuminating: one must imagine Brahms, Turgenev & al. roaming the Black Forest, the dramas of human life played out in the hotels there...a certain loftiness of spiritual approach...