Domenico Scarlatti Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Sonata in D minor, K.120 (L.215)Domenico Scarlatti21rank/position

Scarlatti : Sonate K 120 en ré mineur (Allegrissimo), par Frédérick Haas – #Scarlatti555

A piece notable for the striking contrast between the light, flowing right-hand passages and the left hand’s simple yet beautiful chords.

The middle section shifts dramatically to a powerful, dance-like character; after the initial lively melody returns, the coda presents a brilliant rendition of the middle section’s dance and brings the work to a spirited close.

Its crisp pacing keeps both performer and listener engaged.

Heard on the harpsichord, it may evoke the Baroque atmosphere even more strongly.

This work perfectly fuses Scarlatti’s inventive compositional techniques with the influence of Spanish folk music, letting you feel the innovation that expanded the possibilities of keyboard instruments.

Sonata in D minor, K. 141 (L. 422)Domenico Scarlatti22rank/position

Scarlatti, Sonate K.141 – Martha Argerich

This piece is written in 3/8 time with an allegro tempo, characterized by a rapidly repeated single-note melody.

This technique, reminiscent of guitar tremolo, reflects the influence of Spanish folk music.

Owing to its technical difficulty and expressive depth, it is among the most popular works of the Baroque repertoire.

It demands flexible left-hand leaps and the control of rapid passages, requiring advanced technique from the performer, yet its passionate, energetic character creates a compelling drama that captivates listeners.

Its distinctive structure and fervent expression continue to be cherished by many performers and audiences today.

Sonata in D minor, K. 18 (L. 416), Sonata in C major, K. 132 (L. 457), Sonata in A minor, K. 175 (L. 429)Domenico Scarlatti23rank/position

Scarlatti – Sonatas d (K18), C (K132), a (K175). Kadri-Ann Sumera, piano

Sonata in D minor, K.

18 (L.

416): Presto; Sonata in C major, K.

132 (L.

457): Cantabile; Sonata in A minor, K.

175 (L.

429): Allegro.

Piano: Kadri-Ann Sumera.

Recorded at the University of Tartu Hall.

Sonata in D minor, K. 213 (L. 108), Sonata in E major, K. 20 (L. 375)Domenico Scarlatti24rank/position

ANNA FEDOROVA – DOMENICO SCARLATTI – Sonata K 213 e K 20

Sonata in D minor, K.213 (L.108): Andante; Sonata in E major, K.20 (L.375): Presto.

Performed by the Ukrainian pianist from Kyiv, Anna Fedorova.

Recorded at a Matinée at Casa Mozart.

Sonata in D minor, K. 89 (L. 211)Domenico Scarlatti25rank/position

Scarlatti, Domenico Sonata en re menor K 89 by La Tempestad

Sonata in D minor, K.

89 (L.

211): Allegro – Grave – Allegro.

Performed by Guillermo Peñalver, flute; Pablo Prieto, violin; Guillermo Turina, cello; and Silvia Márquez, harpsichord.

Sonata in D minor, K. 9Domenico Scarlatti26rank/position

Barenboim: Domenico Scarlatti – Sonata in D minor, K.9

This piece in D minor is known for expanding the possibilities of keyboard instruments.

Though light and bright in character, its highly rhythmic development is striking.

Hallmarks of Baroque music—ornaments and improvisatory elements—appear throughout, making it a work that challenges the performer’s interpretive choices.

Notably, it shows the influence of the Iberian Peninsula’s folk music: Spanish-style rhythms and melodic turns lend the entire piece a distinctive charm.

Over the roughly three and a half minutes of performance time, elegance and rhythmic energy intertwine in a way that captivates listeners.

It’s recommended not only for those interested in classical music, but also for anyone drawn to works that incorporate elements of folk traditions.

Sonata in D minor, K. 90 (L. 106)Domenico Scarlatti27rank/position

Scarlatti Sonata K.90 for 2 Harpsichords

Sonata in D minor, K.

90 (L.

106): Grave – Allegro.

Performed on two harpsichords by Isabel Calado from Portugal and Michio Obara.

The footage is from the “Collab on Clav” concert at the Noir Accordé Music Art Salon in Toyonaka, Osaka.

Sonata in D major, K.119 (L.415)Domenico Scarlatti28rank/position

Irena Koblar, Scarlatti Sonata K. 119 in D major

Sonata in D major, K.119 (L.415): Allegro.

Performed by Slovenian pianist Irena Koblar, who made her debut with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 12.

She has won numerous awards at piano competitions both in Slovenia and abroad.

Sonata in D major, K.140 (L.107)Domenico Scarlatti29rank/position

Scarlatti | Sonata K. 140 in D major | David Louie

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 D major, K. 177 (L. 364), Sonata in D major, K. 178 (L. 162)Domenico Scarlatti30rank/position

Eliot Fisk plays Domenico Scarlatti – Sonatas K. 177 & K. 178

Sonata in D major, K.

177 (L.

364): Andante; Sonata in D major, K.

178 (L.

162): Vivo.

The guitar performance is by Eliot Fisk from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Recorded in Salzburg.