August 2007 sees the start of Angela Hewitt’s Bach World Tour in which she will bring her celebrated performances of The Well-Tempered Clavier to twenty-five countries on six continents. Concurrently, Hyperion is releasing this limited edition box set of Hewitt’s 1998-99 iconic recordings of ‘The 48’ – held by many critics to be the definitive piano version of Bach’s incomparable masterpiece. GRAMOPHONE CRITICS’ CHOICE BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE PICK OF THE MONTH AND BEST OF THE YEAR PENGUIN GUIDE ROSETTE JUNO AWARD, CANADA 1999 ‘The first recorded performances by a pianist of Book I that have made me want to hear them many times over. Strongly recommended’ (Gramophone) ‘Hewitt has set a new benchmark. Her touch is admirably clear and light … and she is uniquely attuned to Bach’s supple, sprightly rhyhms. A '48' of exceptional grace and beauty. I know of no musician whose Bach playing on any instrument is of greater subtlety, beauty of tone, persuasiveness of judgement or instrumental command than Hewitt's is here’ (BBC Music Magazine) ‘Performances of exceptional grace and beauty … Angela Hewitt's version of Book I eclipses all others; hers will become the benchmark recording … special and uniquely enchanting’ (BBC Music Magazine) ‘An inspirational set’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs) ‘Winner of numerous prizes, these have already become benchmark recordings, with performances of character and conviction that marry the best of old and new, using the full-range of colour afforded by a grand piano while articulating ornaments and counterpoint with astounding clarity. First-rate also are her programme notes, which are personal, informative and utterly unpretentious’ (International Record Review) ‘The Canadian pianist may not regard herself as a Bach specialist, but her brilliant and profoundly musical playing of the first 24 preludes and fugues of the "48" goes straight to the top of available piano versions’ (The Sunday Times) ‘Among modern-day piano recordings of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, Angela Hewitt's has long held a favored place for its stylish perception, controlled virtuosity, intelligent application of dynamics, and warm, beautifully balanced sonics … if you missed Hewitt's '48' the first time around, don't look this gift horse in the mouth’ (Classics Today)