“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.org

“The first thing one notices…is the handsome black-and-gold packaging of the two-disc set…and it is gorgeous.”

“From the opening arpeggios of Prelude 1, it is clear that this is going to be special. Indeed, Dirst’s playing is uncommonly elegant…exquisitely attuned to harmonic events…stretti and inversions and augmentations, oh my! All are played clearly and precisely.” 

“Matthew Dirst leads us on a compelling journey through playfulness and poignancy. Warning: do not listen to this whole collection at once. This is a pair of CDs to be enjoyed a sip at a time, like a fine whiskey, while we await the advent of Book 2.” 

– Christa Rakich, The American Organist

“A highly imaginative, intense and emotive endeavor, Dirst’s performance is top notch from beginning to end, and will leave classical fans in awe.”

– Tom Haugen, Take Effect

“The well-crafted work of a skilled conductor and keyboard virtuoso in the same person.”

“Every motive is etched, and crystal-clear counterpoint is the result. Coupled with this microscopic detail is Dirst’s sensitivity to affect, with which he sprinkles the entire album with inspiration. On a broad scale, one very strongly hears a conductor at the helm of this polyphonic ensemble; at times Dirst’s choices of tempi, articulation, and sonority recall the small ensemble of a cantata or the concerto grosso of a Baroque orchestra.”

“Dirst is also to be commended for the flow of his program notes, which may be referenced by the scholarly harpsichordist as well as the eager amateur. All in all, this album is an education in rhetoric and process…The listener and the player would do well to hear what Dirst offers in this album and learn from it.”

– John L. Speller, Diapason