Flattery Doubtful Bach well dressed, with BASIL RAMSEY Hyperion    CDA67263

There has always been a no-man's land surrounding Bach, in which are found numerous works of all types ascribed to JSB but probably the work of lesser composers. The Eight Short Preludes and Fugues for organ have long belonged to this category, generally acknowledged by authority as the work of others.

Christopher Herrick interleaves them with chorale preludes of a similar doubt of authenticity, and the juxtaposition is intriguing if nothing else. The chorale preludes generally have a sharper impact stemming from the discipline of elaborating a specific tune.

The collection as a whole creates a reasonable effect and is fortunately supported by the determination of a sympathetic player using -- as always with this series -- Swiss Metzlers set in flattering acoustics.