Hyperion Records

'No Bach lover will want to be without this fascinating double-DVD set from world-renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt, who's virtually inherited the mantle of 'high priestess of Bach' from the late Rosalyn Tureck. She delivers her very substantial lecture in a friendly manner yet provides a succession of deep, intricate insights into the astounding variety of musical issues involved in playing Bach on the modern piano. Best of all, though, is the recital … where Hewitt delivers her Bach with a compelling blend of virtuosity and respect' (Classic FM Magazine *****)

'Seeing a close-up of Angela Hewitt's hands is like watching the purring engine of a Rolls-Royce in motion … Precision, articulation and a sense of tamed power are evident in the springy musculature. Shots, too, of the face reveal the unpretended emotion behind each phrase as she practises in performance what she has demonstrated in lecture … The content is a masterclass. The location is the Fazioli piano factory, whose products she plays. The clear, singing treble and bright, unsmothering bass speak for themselves' (The Sunday Times)

'What Hewitt has to say is full of wisdom and perspicacity, liberally illustrating the talk at her Fazioli piano … Hewitt's poise, clarity of voicing, spontaneity, wonderful finger legato and palpable joy in performing these works is a masterclass in itself' (Gramophone)

'The recital … is a joy. Hewitt's Bach is founded on taking from the harpsichordists what suits her purposes while revelling in the expressive, sometimes Romantic possibilities of the piano. She is so in command of the music, not just technically but intellectually' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Angela Hewitt's comprehensive lecture to camera is addressed to a very wide spectrum of potentially interested people, ranging from music lovers through teachers, amateur pianists, more accomplished ones who have not yet played Bach, to full professionals, even those who have played his music in public … Her own Bach playing is an object-lesson in how to take on board the relevant aspects of harpsichord, clavichord and organ playing without trying to turn the piano into any of them … Hewitt wears her enormous erudition very lightly. Her insights are articulate, eloquent, sometimes profound, yet always pragmatic - in a word, she is superbly empirical' (International Record Review)

'This double-DVD set is a valuable and inspiring introduction to the interpretation of Bach's keyboard music from one of the great Bach exponents of our time … Hewitt approaches her subject with a balance of scholarship, pragmatism and enthusiasm that is both engaging and accessible. And because she illustrates each topic at the piano with examples from Bach's keyboard oeuvre, the lecture is never dry … This DVD serves as a tool not only for learning Bach, but piano music in general' (International Piano magazine)

'This superb two-DVD set from Hyperion offers an excellent opportunity to hear Angela Hewitt expound upon Bach performance and also presents a one-hour recital with the talented pianist … Angela Hewitt's style and grace at the piano is nothing short of magnificent, and it's a real treat (especially for those of us who don't get out too often) to see live performances of pieces I've been listening to on her CDs for years' (Audiophile Audition, USA)