In December 1989, the artists came together to record some of the early chamber works of Brahms. Part I of each volume focuses on the preparation, rehearsal and re-takes with artists providing commentary for the rehearsal section of each programme, while Part II captures the final record performance. Emanuel Ax, Isaac Stern, Jaime Laredo, and Yo-Yo Ma performed the actual recording session at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy New York.