For its Naxos début Ars Lyrica presents première recordings of two of Alessandro Scarlatti’s vocal works: Euridice dall’Inferno and La concettione della Beata Vergine. The Houston-based early music ensemble has gained praise for its “zestful music-making” (Houston Chronicle). Its period instrument performances reveal the brilliance and depth of Scarlatti’s expressive and highly theatrical music, which is enjoying renewed interest as the composer becomes increasingly recognised as the peer of Baroque masters such as Handel and Vivaldi. Supplementing these are two equally accomplished instrumental pieces.