“A praise-worthy addition to the recorded repertoire. These are straightforward, no-nonsense readings, technically impeccable…with nice clarity of voicing.”
“His readings are full of sentiment but avoid sentimentality, capturing the music’s dignity and pathos…”
“Altogether, a fine rendition of Bach’s towering compendium. Recommended indeed!”
Stephen Silverman, Early Music America
"Dirst's interpretation is one of the most consistently satisfying that I know.”
“It's hard to achieve this level of mastery… it sounds like great conducting… Dirst's command of the "big picture" is terrific… His world-class work needs a home in your active playlist.
Bradley Lehman, American Record Guide
"seduces instantly"
"stately... riveting... captivating... an intense contrapuntal exchange expertly delivered."
“[Dirst's] skills are on full display ... his execution is unerring ... and the endlessly singing character of the material provides no shortage of listening pleasure."
"Dirst brings forth with palpable enthusiasm and verve the imagination, invention, and humanity of material that still speaks to us three centuries after its creation.”
“While there are countless recordings of The Well-Tempered Clavier available, his is a more than credible addition, especially when his passion for the material is evident at every moment.”
Ron Schepper, Textura
Double CD
Digital Downloads
Streaming
J.S. Bach, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
Matthew Dirst, harpsichord
APL: 54117
Total Time: 110:12
Disc One (55:01)
1. Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846
2. Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846
3. Prelude No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 847
4. Fugue No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 847
5. Prelude No. 3 in C-sharp Major, BWV 848
6. Fugue No. 3 in C-sharp Major, BWV 848
7. Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp Minor, BWV 849
8. Fugue No. 4 in C-sharp Minor, BWV 849
9. Prelude No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850
10. Fugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850
11. Prelude No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851
12. Fugue No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851
13. Prelude No. 7 in E-flat Major, BWV 852
14. Fugue No. 7 in E-flat Major, BWV 852
15. Prelude No. 8 in E-flat Minor, BWV 853
16. Fugue No. 8 in D-sharp Minor, BWV 853
17. Prelude No. 9 in E Major, BWV 854
18. Fugue No. 9 in E Major, BWV 854
19. Prelude No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855
20. Fugue No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855
21. Prelude No. 11 in F Major, BWV 856
22. Fugue No. 11 in F Major, BWV 856
23. Prelude No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857
24. Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857
Disc Two (55:11)
1. Prelude No. 13 in F-sharp Major, BWV 858
2. Fugue No. 13 in F-sharp Major, BWV 858
3. Prelude No. 14 in F-sharp Minor, BWV 859
4. Fugue No. 14 in F-sharp Minor, BWV 859
5. Prelude No. 15 in G Major, BWV 860
6. Fugue No. 15 in G Major, BWV 860
7. Prelude No. 16 in G Minor, BWV 861
8. Fugue No. 16 in G Minor, BWV 861
9. Prelude No. 17 in A-flat Major, BWV 862
10. Fugue No. 17 in A-flat Major, BWV 862
11. Prelude No. 18 in G-sharp Minor, BWV 863
12. Fugue No. 18 in G-sharp Minor, BWV 863
13. Prelude No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864
14. Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864
15. Prelude No. 20 in A Minor, BWV 865
16. Fugue No. 20 in A Minor, BWV 865
17. Prelude No. 21 in B-flat Major, BWV 866
18. Fugue No. 21 in B-flat Major, BWV 866
19. Prelude No. 22 in B-flat Minor, BWV 867
20. Fugue No. 22 in B-flat Minor, BWV 867
21. Prelude No. 23 in B Major, BWV 868
22. Fugue No. 23 in B Major, BWV 868
23. Prelude No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869
24. Fugue No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869
Links: Ars Lyrica, Houston | Matthew Dirst | Cover Art | Booklet | Press Release
Bach's Art of Fugue and Musical Offering, Matthew’s recent contribution to Bach scholarship at OUP.