[Scarlatti] Introducing masterpieces and signature works from his many keyboard compositions!
Domenico Scarlatti, an Italian composer and organist who wrote as many as 555 sonatas for keyboard.
He was a major Baroque composer who revolutionized keyboard technique of his time.
If you study piano, you’ve likely encountered some of his works at least once.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of Scarlatti’s masterpieces and signature pieces.
In the videos, you’ll find not only performances on grand piano but also many on the harpsichord, the keyboard instrument of that era—be sure to enjoy the harpsichord’s distinctive timbre!
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[Scarlatti] Introducing Masterpieces and Signature Works from His Many Keyboard Pieces (11–20)
Sonata in G major, K.477 (L.290)Domenico Scarlatti
This is one of Scarlatti’s late works.
Its bright, lively melody is striking, and you can sense the influence of Spanish folk music.
It is notable for its wealth of virtuosic elements, such as rapid scales and hand crossing.
Rhythmic and full of vitality, this piece is sure to energize listeners.
Highly recommended for those who want to fully savor the charm of keyboard instruments.
It is often performed on the harpsichord as well, so why not enjoy its distinctive timbre?
Sonata in D major, K.140 (L.107)Domenico Scarlatti
A keyboard sonata renowned as a masterpiece of Baroque music.
It makes full use of its bright key of D major, characterized by a sprightly rhythm and brilliant melodies.
Though only about three to four minutes long, it condenses Scarlatti’s creativity and virtuosity into a single piece.
You can hear quintessential Baroque elements throughout, such as recurring patterns and dialogue between the two hands.
In particular, the alternating, rapid-fire phrases between right and left hands impart a vivid sense of momentum to the listener.
While technically demanding, its vibrant energy is sure to delight audiences.
It’s a must-hear not only for piano students but also for anyone interested in Baroque music.
Sonata in C major, K. 460 (L. 324)Domenico Scarlatti
This is one of Scarlatti’s signature works, notable for its lively, cheerful opening theme.
Written in 4/4 time at an Allegro tempo, it is a relatively long piece, running about five to six minutes.
Flowing melodies dotted with ornaments such as the upper mordent (pralltriller), along with the occasional powerful chords, lend the piece variety and depth.
It is in binary form: the first section modulates from the tonic to the dominant, and the second section returns to the tonic.
Technically, it is considered intermediate in difficulty, yet it demands refined skills from the performer, including hand crossing, wide-range arpeggios, and leaps requiring quick position changes.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor the full allure of keyboard music.
Sonata in F major, K.44 (L.432)Domenico Scarlatti
This piece is notable for the contrast between the light, flowing right-hand passagework and the left hand’s simple yet beautiful chords.
Despite its straightforward structure, it is full of ingenuity in harmonic shifts and melodic development, demanding the performer’s expressive ability.
The first half has clear formal divisions, with harmony and melody that are not overly complex, making it highly accessible.
In the latter half, the alternating long and short chords every two measures bring freshness to the music, and toward the end of both the first and second halves, the tonic is struck repeatedly in octave chords, emphasizing the key with a dignified resonance.
The dynamic contrasts keep both performers and listeners fully engaged.
Sonata in F major, K.85 (L.166); Sonata in C minor, K.40 (L.357); Sonata in B-flat major, K.70 (L.50); Sonata in C major, K.95 (L.358); Sonata in C minor, K.56 (L.356)Domenico Scarlatti
Sonata in F major, K.85 (L.166); Sonata in C minor, K.40 (L.357); Sonata in B-flat major, K.70 (L.50); Sonata in C major, K.95 (L.358); Sonata in C minor, K.56 (L.356).
Performed by Alice Ader.
Concerto grosso No. 12 in D majorDomenico Scarlatti
Concerto grosso No.
12 in D major: I.
Grave – Temporeggiato, II.
Largo – Tempo giusto, III.
Allegro spiritoso.
Performed by the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, with Alessandro Tampieri as the soloist.
[Scarlatti] Introducing Masterpieces and Signature Keyboard Works from Among His Many Pieces! (21–30)
Sonata in A major, K. 209 (L. 428); Sonata in D minor, K. 32 (L. 423); Sonata in G major, K. 427 (L. 286)Domenico Scarlatti
Sonata in A major, K.
209 (L.
428): Allegro; Sonata in D minor, K.
32 (L.
423): Aria; Sonata in G major, K.
427 (L.
286): Presto quanto sia possibile.
Piano performance by Bruno Vlahek.