I was thinking of this before playing Margaret Phillips’ new double-CD set for the first time. But once I had listened to it, I found myself lucky I had not dismissed it too hastily.

Everything here works admirably and is worth commending: the selection of some of Bach’s greatest works (the "18" Chorale Preludes BWV 651-668, the Canonic Variations on Von Himmel hoch BWV 769a and the Schübler Chorale Preludes BWV 645-650); the excellent quality of the sound recording; Margaret Phillips’ impeccable playing; and last but not least, the beautiful organ used, the rare historic Christoph Treutmann organ in the Klosterkirche at Grauhof in Germany (3 manuals/ped, 42 stops, 1734-37) restored by Gebrüder Hillebrand in 1989-92, one of the most authentic instruments of Bach’s period. This organ combines South and North German characteristics which make it an ideal vehicle for Bach’s music.

The sheer energy and drive of Phillips’ playing as well as the depth and serenity with which she approaches the more meditative pieces (e.g. An Wasserflüssen Babylon BWV 653 or Scmücke dich, o liebe Seele BWV 654) are utterly convincing.
PIERRE DUBOIS

The 'Eighteen' Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Margaret Phillips
Regent REGCD232
2006 - 117:29 min.