Domenico Scarlatti Sonatas: Beyond the Keyboard Virtuoso
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For the advanced piano student, Domenico Scarlatti isn't just a historical figure; he's a gateway to a world of unparalleled keyboard brilliance, technical demands, and surprisingly modern musical ideas. While often overshadowed by his contemporaries Bach and Handel, Scarlatti's over 550 keyboard sonatas (many discovered posthumously) offer a unique and rewarding challenge.
The Sonatas: A World of Invention
Scarlatti's sonatas, primarily single-movement works, are a testament to his inventive spirit. They are miniature dramas, each exploring a specific set of technical and musical ideas with dazzling creativity. Unlike the more contrapuntal intricacies of Bach, Scarlatti's focus often lies in Scarlatti’s unique style and form.
Scarlatti's style is defined by several distinctive hallmarks, most notably his dazzling keyboard virtuosity and figuration. His sonatas are replete with spectacular displays of technique, including rapid scales, complex arpeggios, intricate repeated notes, and dazzling hand-crossing, all of which are essential to the music's character and emotional fabric, not mere ornamentation. Complementing this technical brilliance is a distinctive harmonic language. Scarlatti was known for his bold harmonic choices, frequently employing surprising dissonances, sudden shifts in key (modulations), and a refreshing disregard for strict voice-leading rules, creating engaging moments of tension and resolution. Furthermore, his music is infused with a powerful rhythmic drive, often drawing on Spanish folk dance rhythms and incorporating unexpected syncopations—a clear reflection of his long service in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Finally, despite predating the full-blown sonata-allegro form, his works possess remarkable structural and thematic clarity. His sonatas typically feature clear, memorable themes that are developed and transformed, with many built upon a foundational "binary" structure.
Technical Demands and Interpretive Challenges
For the advanced student, tackling Scarlatti is a masterclass in advanced skills.
Mastering Domenico Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas presents performers with a set of demanding technical and interpretative challenges. Fundamentally, success requires exceptional fingerwork, demanding outstanding dexterity, agility, and control to achieve the necessary speed, precision, and clear articulation.
A distinctive feature of Scarlatti's writing is the frequent use of hand-crossing, which necessitates meticulous planning and execution to ensure continuous fluidity and clarity of the musical lines.
Beyond the purely technical, expressive performance demands a broad spectrum of dynamic articulation and phrasing, moving fluidly between sharp, crisp staccatos and smooth, lyrical legato, often within the same phrase; a deep understanding of the melodic "dialogue" is essential here.
A crucial challenge is maintaining the inherent vitality and dance-like character of the rhythms, ensuring the vibrant rhythmic drive does not become mechanical or rigid. When performing on a modern piano, the use of the pedal must be judicious and sensitive, always prioritizing the clarity and integrity of the musical structure, though experimentation is encouraged.
Finally, an informed awareness of the original harpsichord aesthetic—its rapid note decay, percussive nature, and reliance on touch for articulation—is vital, as this understanding should guide choices in articulation and phrasing, aiming for a performance defined by brilliance and absolute clarity.
Recommended Sonatas for Exploration
To truly delve into Scarlatti's world, consider exploring some of his most celebrated and characteristic sonatas:
K. 1 (L. 366) in D minor: A brilliant and virtuosic showpiece with dazzling arpeggios.
Level 10/ Grade 7
K. 9 (L. 413) in D minor ("Pastorale"): A more lyrical and expressive sonata, showcasing his melodic grace.
Level 9/ Grade 6
K. 27 (L. 449) in B minor: Known for its rapid repeated notes and intense emotional depth.
Level 10/ Grade 8
K. 141 (L. 422) in D minor: A fiery and technically demanding sonata with striking hand-crossing.
Level 11/ Grade 8
K. 380 (L. 282) in E major: A delightful and elegant sonata, often referred to as "Cortège."
Level 10/ Grade 7
K. 491 (L. 165) in D major: A vibrant and rhythmically engaging piece.
Level 11/ Grade 8
K. 84 (L.10) in C minor: A Sonata of expressive depth and intricate contrapuntal writing, offering a more introspective side of Scarlatti's genius.
Level 11/ Grade 8
Beyond the Notes: Unlocking Scarlatti's Charm
Playing Scarlatti is more than just hitting the right notes; it's about capturing his wit, his exuberance, and his profound originality. Listen to various interpretations, not just on piano but also on harpsichord, to gain a deeper understanding of the instrument's capabilities and limitations that shaped his compositional style. Embrace the joy and vivacity inherent in his music, and allow yourself to be captivated by the sheer brilliance of this often-underestimated master. For the advanced piano student, Scarlatti offers a journey of discovery that will undoubtedly enrich your technique, musicality, and appreciation for the boundless possibilities of the keyboard.
