‘Superlatives all round for the last instalment in this exuberant, outstandingly played series … excellent documentation, superbly recorded sound, an enchanting instrument and, of course, outstanding playing. The freshness and joie de vivre that Herrick brings to all Bach’s music makes this cycle a winner’ (Gramophone)

'Alessio Bax goes back to Bach for an unmissable album of transcriptions. In the realm of Romantic Bach transcriptions, Alessio Bax’s stylistic perception and palette of tone-colours have considerably deepened since his “Baroque Reflections” release (Warner, 11/04), together with a level of technical control that gives new meaning to the word “awesome”. Legato lines are full-bodied at all dynamic levels, while thick chords and rapid passagework betray not one speck of struggle. Furthermore, Bax retains tonal beauty and definition even in the loudest and most sonorous passages, achieved without the least banging … Signum’s roomy, lifelike sound perfectly complements Bax’s extraordinary pianism. An album no 'hyphenated Bach' fan should miss' (Gramophone)

'In short, this disc is a must' (Fanfare, USA)» More

‘After hearing the first three notes of Cantata 170 my expectations of this recording were high. I was not disappointed’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘James Bowman is on impressive form and his admirers need not hesitate here’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

«D'excellentes interprétations» (EcouterVoir, France)

‘Still by far the best version. The stronger sense of occasion is boosted by Peter Holman’s inspired topping and tailing with sinfonias’ (International Record Review)

‘Brazen and celebratory, the opening of J S Bach’s Christmas Oratorio blazes into life in a Cambridge chapel setting, the acoustic spacious, the choristers and players filling it with joy. There is much here that is deeply affecting as well as exhilarating (trumpets to the fore) and with some fine solo singing (including from Iestyn Davies and James Gilchrist) there is much to wonder at. With a fine, lively recording that positions exactly all the participants into a recognisable acoustic, there is much to captivate and stimulate’ (Hi-Fi Critic)

‘A wonderful piece … lovely new recording. You can't go wrong with this’ (Classic FM)

«Cet Oratorio de Noël (avec l'OAE de nouveau) renoue avec l’art du tableau, l’aisance et la lumière du premier … l’élite des chœurs britanniques est toujours à l'œuvre: ce «Ehre sei dir Gott» où pas un mot n’est voilé par l’élan vif, tout en rebond, «sur les pointes», n'a pas grand-chose à envier au Monteverdi Choir (Archiv, Diapason d'or). Sa texture formidablement claire nous fait douter d'entendre vraiment les presque quarante voix listées dans le livret … sonnez hautbois, résonnez musettes, accourez, hédonistes» (Diapason, France)» More

‘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, USA)

‘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’ (The Scene Musicale, Canada)