Brahms' works range from symphonies to chamber works to solo piano. For a survey of his Piano Works, Katchen on London has a 6 disc set that is about as good as it gets. The playing is superb, and is quite an enjoyable experience. If you want a smaller sampling of these works Angelich on Virgin Classics has a 2CD set featuring the Op. 116-119 works at a bargain price. Also on MP3 Album. Of course Rubinstein is an expert in Brahms, and his recordings have been issued in various sets. To start, try the Sonatas and Ballades Vol 63 of the Rubinstein Collection series.

The two Piano Concertos recording that is essential is the Szell/Fleisher recording on the Sony Masterworks label. These are the basic recordings to get, and includes some nice solo Brahms piano works as fillers. The Cleveland Orchestra was at the top of its powers along with Fleisher and Szell, and the remastering is excellent.

The four Brahms Symphonies are served best by Szell. There is no complete set in print anymore, but the individual recordings are split among several cds. This may not be as convenient but is well worth the trouble to collect these performances. Symph 1 and Haydn Variations - Symph 2 and 3 - Symph 4 and Overtures. All of the releases also have corresponding MP3 Albums.
The older but energetic Toscanini recording is worth a listen. The sound is mono but the playing more than makes up for any sonic shortcomings.

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