Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)

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Introduction
Domenico Scarlatti was an avid composer of the Boroque era. He was born in Naples but spent most of his childhood years in Rome. His father was of high musical caliber which impacted Scarlatti quickly. Through plenty of education from successful musicians, he quickly became an amazing harpsichordist. For five years, Scarlatti was maestro di cappella at the Cappella Giulia in the Vatican where he composed plenty of operas. After a period of time, Scarlatti — too curious with the unknown — dropped his position as maestro di cappella and traveled to London, Lisbon and finally Madrid where he settled until his death.

Works
Sonata in b minor K 87

Scarlatti's sonata was performed in Alba on June 2 by pianist Anne Condamin. The piece had a typical minor feel of repetitive descending lines and a melancholy theme. The sonata was slow and cantable with softer dynamics throughout.

Comparisons
This sonata was different than what Scarlatti usually wrote. A majority of his work was marked at allegro, the slowest andante. While the piece was in b minor, it did not necessarily have to be slow and sad. In fact, most of the pieces written at allegro were also in a minor key. This piece was very different than what Scarlatti typically wrote.

Observations
I think that for just being piano music, Scarlatti's music is complex enough to seem like there is more than one pianist performing it. Overll, his music follows a similar theme of the Boroque era to portray different messages of his life and experiences.