Domenico Scarlatti: The Baroque Virtuoso of the Keyboard

Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer and harpsichordist whose revolutionary sonatas defined the keyboard music of the Baroque era. Born in Naples in 1685, his primary achievement lies in his vast and influential collection of 555 keyboard sonatas, which remain foundational repertoire for pianists and harpsichordists worldwide.

Early career

Domenico Scarlatti was born in 1685, the same year as fellow Baroque masters Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. He began his musical career under the tutelage of his father, the prominent composer Alessandro Scarlatti, in Naples. His early appointments included positions as composer and organist at the royal chapel in Naples and later in Rome, where he served the exiled Polish queen Maria Casimira and later the Portuguese ambassador.

Breakthrough

Scarlatti's true artistic breakthrough came after his move to the Iberian Peninsula in 1729. He became the music master to Princess Maria Bárbara of Portugal, who later became Queen of Spain. It was during his service in her courts in Lisbon and Madrid that he composed the bulk of his single-movement keyboard sonatas. These works, though not "released" as commercial albums in the modern sense, were compiled in manuscripts and gained immense prestige, effectively certifying his genius for generations of musicians.

Key tracks

Sonata in D minor, K. 9 — This sonata, often called the "Pastorale," is famed for its rapid hand-crossing techniques, showcasing Scarlatti's innovative and physically demanding style.

Sonata in E major, K. 380 — A lyrical and graceful piece, it is one of his most frequently performed and recorded sonatas, beloved for its singing melody.

Sonata in D major, K. 96 — This vibrant work features fiery Spanish rhythms and guitar-like strumming effects, highlighting the profound influence of Iberian folk music on his compositions.

Sonata in G major, K. 455 — A brilliant display of virtuosity, this sonata is packed with energetic runs and leaps, pushing the technical boundaries of the harpsichord.

Scarlatti's legacy is preserved through essential collections like the "Essercizi per gravicembalo" (Exercises for Harpsichord), published in 1738. His complete sonatas have been recorded in monumental cycles by artists like Scott Ross and Vladimir Horowitz, introducing his work to modern classical audiences. The unique "K." or "Kirkpatrick" numbers associated with his sonatas refer to the definitive 20th-century catalog by Ralph Kirkpatrick, which organized his prolific output.

For listeners exploring the Baroque genre, the intricate keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach offer a German counterpoint to Scarlatti's Italian flair. The dramatic operatic style of George Frideric Handel, another 1685-born contemporary, shares the era's grandeur. The earlier keyboard suites of François Couperin provide a French perspective on harpsichord composition. Finally, the Spanish-infused classical guitar works of Isaac Albéniz later captured a similar national spirit that Scarlatti channeled.

RADIO ROTATION

The music of Domenico Scarlatti holds a permanent place in the playlists of classical music radio stations and dedicated Baroque music streams. His sonatas are frequently featured in daytime programming for their vitality and in specialist evening segments that explore historical keyboard repertoire, ensuring his three-century-old compositions continue to reach new ears daily.

You can explore the brilliant keyboard world of Domenico Scarlatti by tuning into the classical and Baroque radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Our curated stations offer the perfect gateway to discover the energy and invention of this Italian master's essential sonatas.