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The Guardian 0

Where to begin in praise of this extraordinary 222-CD box set of the complete works of JS Bach?

To compile a complete edition of JS Bach’s music to mark the 333rd anniversary of his birth seems at once both a whimsical and a monumental undertaking. Why the 333rd anniversary? Leaving aside the contested subject of numerical underpinning in Bach’s work (with the number three representing the Trinity), it would seem it merely presented a fortuitous, playful opportunity to reveal both a wealth of serious modern research and to curate some of the best recordings ever made to further enhance our appreciation of one of western art’s most profound creators.

And, yes, the 333rd anniversary fell last year, but to fully appreciate the depth and quality of Bach 333 (Deutsche Grammophon/Decca) and its 222 CDs, 50-plus performers and ensembles, 280 hours of music and three hardback books takes months of careful listening and reading, so perhaps we can be forgiven our tardy recognition of this magnificent achievement.