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Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) was an Italian composer who left a significant legacy in the field of keyboard music. He is regarded as a bridge between Baroque music and the early Classical period, especially known for composing numerous sonatas.
Born in Naples, Scarlatti was the son of the famous composer Alessandro Scarlatti. He demonstrated his talent from a young age, receiving musical education in Rome and Venice, and composed sacred music and operas. However, his fame primarily stems from his keyboard sonatas.
In 1719, he moved to Lisbon as a music teacher for the Portuguese royal family and later relocated to Spain. In Spain, he served as the music teacher for Queen Maria Barbara and composed many keyboard works in her court. The folk music and rhythms of Spain during this period greatly influenced his compositions.
Throughout his life, Scarlatti composed over 555 sonatas. These sonatas are written in binary form and showcase innovative keyboard techniques, harmonies, and rhythmic inventions. Notable characteristics include cross-hand playing, arpeggios, and unique use of accents.
Although his sonatas were composed for the harpsichord, they are now widely performed on the piano, where their artistry is fully appreciated. These works, while rooted in Baroque structures, possess timeless appeal due to their emotional diversity and bold harmonic progressions.
Domenico Scarlatti opened new possibilities for keyboard music and had a profound influence on later composers. His music beautifully blends technical challenges with expressive musicality and continues to be widely performed today.