Bach: Italian Concerto & French Overture

Angela Hewitt's recordings of J S Bach's keyboard works are rapidly being seen as the definitive modern survey on the piano. Such is her natural affinity for Bach's style, her aliveness to his dancing rhythms and her sensitive use of the modern instrument, that she is the natural successor to a prestigious line of great Bach pianists.

This disc includes works from the second and third volumes of Bach's Clavierübung (Keyboard Practice). In the Italian Concerto and French Overture Bach demonstrates not only his skill as translating to the keyboard two of the most popular orchestral genres of the time, but also his natural assimilation of their respective national characteristics, while remaining true to his own style. These are among his happiest inspirations. The Italian Concerto brims with joyous thematic invention and allusions to solo and orchestral contrasts, while the French Overture (often called a Partita) is a lively dance suite. The Four Duets, rather like more mature Two-part Inventions, and the youthful Capriccios complete a sunny and inspirational disc.

All of the music on this album is also available as part of the specially priced box set Angela Hewitt plays Bach: 'A magnificent retrospective of Angela Hewitt’s achievement as a pianist in the keyboard works of J S Bach … this remarkable set of recordings marks something of a milestone for everyone involved with classical music, as well as for Hyperion' (MusicWeb International).

CDA67306  71 minutes 5 seconds
GRAMOPHONE 'EDITOR’S CHOICE’
GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE
LUISTER 10
‘Hewitt remains today's finest exponent of Bach's keyboard music’ (Gramophone)
‘One of the most convincing Bach pianists at the present time. These performances rate highly in my league table and deserve ‘benchmark’ status’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘This enticing collection once again confirms Angela Hewitt's reputation for playing Bach on the piano’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)