Domenico Scarlatti, born in Naples in 1685 and known as "Mimo," grew up in a musical family and was particularly close to his famous father, Alessandro, a renowned composer of operas and cantatas. After various positions, his career eventually led him to the Portuguese court as Kapellmeister, appointed by King João V; however, many written records from this period were lost due to natural disasters. Only after his father's death did Scarlatti's life enter a new and successful phase, during which he also entered into an arranged marriage.
His principal compositional output consists of 555 keyboard sonatas, comprising approximately 34 hours of music. These two-part works, mostly written for solo instrument, are stylistically unique and stand out from other 18th-century compositions due to their originality.[1] In comparison, Beethoven's entire piano oeuvre takes only about half the time. Most of these sonatas were composed after Scarlatti's fiftieth year, with Princess Maria Barbara of Portugal, his talented pupil and later Queen of Spain, playing a significant role in their creation. Their preservation is thanks in part to the famous castrato Farinelli, who passed on the manuscripts.
It is noteworthy that only a portion of the sonatas were published during Scarlatti's lifetime, and Brahms, for example, possessed seven volumes of handwritten copies. For new recordings, a careful selection is made to create musically coherent programs. Each sonata demands nuanced interpretations that take into account both the subtle tonal nuances and the specific tempo markings. The selection often begins with the well-known Sonata in D minor, K.k.9, and continues through other expressive works such as the Sonata in C major, K.k.159, to dramatically structured pieces like the Sonata in D major, K.k.29.
Among the particularly selected sonatas are the Sonata in B minor, K. 87, and the Sonata in D major, K. 430, which emphasize interpretative finesse and the versatility of musical expression. Each composition opens up new sonic spaces and demands both virtuosic technique and a sensitive feel for musical nuance. The significance of the tempo markings, as well as the historical context, is crucial for understanding and performing these works.
Scarlatti's music impresses with its enormous diversity and creative power; each sonata tells its own story. From spirited passages to contemplative moments, they offer fascinating insights into the composer's extraordinary talent and artistic depth.