Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) was an Italian composer who is best known for his prodigious and influential work in the realm of keyboard music, primarily the harpsichord. Born in Naples into a musical family—his father Alessandro Scarlatti was a famous composer of opera and other music—he initially composed in a variety of genres before dedicating himself primarily to the keyboard. Scarlatti’s body of work was monumental and pivotal in the development of classical keyboard music, and he is most celebrated for his 555 sonatas, which are often considered among the cornerstones of keyboard literature.

Over his lifetime, Scarlatti served various royal courts, including the Portuguese court in Lisbon and the Spanish court in Madrid. It was in Spain that his compositional style matured and where he wrote the majority of his keyboard sonatas, heavily influenced by Iberian folk music rhythms and motifs. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Scarlatti did not seek a broader audience for his compositions, writing them for private performances. Today, his sonatas offer a remarkable window into Baroque virtuosity, exhibiting innovative techniques and providing performers with extensive expressive range. They remain central to the repertoire of classical pianists, as reflected in the continued release and performance of his works. Despite the era in which he composed, Scarlatti's music transcends time, resonating with audiences centuries later for its brilliance and technical mastery.

Genres

Baroque

Classical

Classical Era

Early Music

Italian Baroque

Related Artists

Johann Sebastian Bach

George Frideric Handel

Antonio Vivaldi

Arcangelo Corelli

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Tomaso Albinoni

Alessandro Scarlatti

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Johann Pachelbel

Gioachino Rossini

Henry Purcell

Georg Philipp Telemann

Latest Release

Scarlatti: 16 Sonatas - Vol.2

Domenico Scarlatti•

Rolelush

Album - 16 Tracks - Released August 9, 2024