Bach: Fantasia, Aria and other works

Contents:

Fantasia and Fugue in A minor

Fantasia [3'37]
Fugue [4'22]
Aria Variata ‘alla Maniera Italiana’ BWV989 [16'16]
Aria [2'15]
Variation I [1'19]
Variation II [1'19]
Variation III [1'24]
Variation IV [1'05]
Variation V [1'30]
Variation VI [1'56]
Variation VII [0'55]
Variation VIII [0'48]
Variation IX [0'59]
Variation X [2'42]
Sonata in D major BWV963 [8'52]
[first movement] [2'35]
[second movement] [1'08]
Fugue [2'13]
Adagio [1'01]
Thema all’ imitatio Gallina Cuccu [1'52]
Partie in A major BWV832 [8'45]
Allemande [2'03]
Air pour les trompettes [2'31]
Sarabande [1'45]
Bourrée [1'04]
Gigue [1'20]
Suite in F minor BWV823 [8'26]
Prélude [2'08]
Sarabande en Rondeau [4'15]
Gigue [2'02]
Adagio in G major BWV968 [5'08]
Fugue in C major BWV953 [1'22]
Jesu, meine Zuversicht BWV728 [2'48]
Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten BWV691 [2'14]
Fantasia and Fugue in A minor BWV944 [5'51]
Fantasia [0'56]
Fugue [4'54]

'Here is another out and out winner from Angela Hewitt … The hallmark of her playing derives from just such a sharp definition of musical character. Be it light or solemn, her outlook on Bach is consistently enlivening' (The Daily Telegraph)

'Hewitt plays all of this unfamiliar material with her usual flair and beguiling sound' (Sunday Times)

'when Hewitt's technical refinement merges with the spirit as well as the letter of the music, miracles happen' (BBC Music Magazine)

'the statuesque, beautiful, and brilliantly gifted Angela Hewitt has now joined the ranks of the great interpreters of Bach's keyboard music, and the effortless and natural readings on this and the other CDs in her cycle for Hyperion unquestionably number among the finest available. After discussion, debate - call it what you will - Angela Hewitt's recordings may be deemed unquestionably definitive' (Fanfare)

'Hewitt's playing is tremendously well thought-out, the contrapuntal lines always shining clear, the articulation sprightly and the musicality unfailing' (Classic FM Magazine)

'This disc makes a piquant, unexpected conclusion to Hewitt's Bach cycle. Her many admirers will want to acquire it' (International Record Review)

'a series of performances where freedom over articulation, phrasing, embellishment, dynamics and tempo is governed by an artistic sense of responsibility; and the whole recital is heard in a shrewdly balanced recording of fine tonal verisimilitude' (Gramophone)

'She continues to display the virtues that have made her one of the foremost Bach pianists on record, including beautiful tone, textural clarity, acute sensitivity to patterns of tension and resolution, a strong sense of dance, and refined attention to detail … In sum, a beautiful, profoundly satisfying recital and a fitting conclusion to a landmark series' (Goldberg Early Music Magazine)

'Hewitt has already exhausted the supply of critical superlatives in her devotion to Bach. Those who have loyally followed the Hyperion cycle will find that this terminal issue meets and exceeds the stringent standards which she set for herself. Hewitt presents a Bach of sensitivity and integrity for our time and always. Enjoyment of the disc is enhanced by the performer's lively and informative booklet note. Conventional CD sound quality is in the demonstration class. SACD playback (stereo is preferable to multi-channel) is as close as most of us will ever get to having Miss Hewitt and her concert Steinway perform in our listening rooms' ('La Scena Musicale' Quebec)

'Angela Hewitt continues to confirm her status among pre-eminent Bach specialists...the individual pieces and Suites consitently reward the ear - novel and timeless at once' (Audiophile Audition)