Brahm's g- minor piano quartet

Absolutely, you called it right on the difficulty on getting this composition to really dance. Every recording I've mentioned has some awkward moments. And your intuition is correct about this Bridge recording, the fiery piano part in the opening 3rd movement is taken much better by Balsam than the legendary Gilels, though the tone of Gilels piano is much better than Balsam's, and Gilels does have some a nice touch in other parts. You are like me, in that recording quality takes second place vs the more important performance of the artists.

have u heard the staier mozart yet?

No, not sure which recording, you're speaking of?? Are you recommending something here?

yes, the andreas staier, concerto koln mozart concertos, #'s
9 and 17 on teldec. I thought it was you who didn't think a pianist also conducting wouldn't be successful. I'm telling you, this recording is astounding. I'm not as crazy about their recording of the #18 and 19.
I got the proarte and rubinstein Brahms g minor tonite, i think the budapests and balsam are most to my taste in this piece.

Check out Domus' recordings of the Brahms piano quartets. Domus was an English group which has since "regrouped" as a piano trio. Their recordings of the Schubert trios (on Hyperion) are also incredible, both performance and recording wise.