What were the first organ concertos? The concerto style can first be heard in interior movements of Handel’s oratorio Il trionfo del Temp e del Disinganno (1707). In Bach’s case it has been assumed that the concerto evolved from instrumental sinfonias from his cantatas. Dirst, however, demonstrates another possibility- concerts in Dresden (1725) before the cantata sinfonias were written. Prepared from the earliest sources, Dirst and Ars Lyrica reconstruct the musical soundscape of this important event, which ultimately spawned Bach’s most popular harpsichord concerto. Noted for his stylish playing of Baroque music in particular, praise for Matthew Dirst and Ars Lyrica include “an extremely taut and accurate traversal” (The New York Sun), “a technically dazzling, deeply moving performance” (Houston Chronicle), “of irresistible rhythmic impulse and dazzling virtuosity.” (Dallas Morning News)
