A prominent recording artist for Hyperion since the 1990s, Angela Hewitt has become the most esteemed interpreter of Bach since Glenn Gould, and for many listeners, the most distinctive performer of this music on piano. Hewitt's impressive run of recordings has been collected into this 2010 box set, which is 15 discs and a booklet. The 2008 recording of the Well-Tempered Clavier is centrally placed in the package, covering four discs; this critically praised recording was Hewitt's second foray into the 48. Surrounding it are the Two- and Three-Part Inventions, the English Suites, the French Suites, the six partitas, toccatas, the Little Preludes, the Italian Concerto, the Goldberg Variations, and numerous short but no less famous pieces from Bach's keyboard output, apart from his concertos and organ compositions. Hewitt's approach to Bach is neither doctrinaire nor flamboyant, but she finds a great deal of artistic freedom between the two extremes and makes the music feel spontaneous and fresh while always observing the intricate details of the counterpoint. No pianist plays with more clarity and precision, and Hewitt communicates a natural musicality through her supple shaping of phrases and nuanced touch. Based on this pianist's many accolades and the longevity of her recordings, this set is sure to be kept in the catalog for many years as a testament to great music-making. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi
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