A 'Scarlatti cult' developed in England, leading to the publication of his 'Essercizi per Gravicembalo' in London and his reputation spreading even to America by 1771.
Composition History
Scarlatti composed harpsichord sonatas for Princess Maria Barbara de Braganza of Portugal, an undertaking that resulted in at least 555 sonatas and continued until his death.
Compositional Technique
Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas are known for their harmonic surprises, expressive melodies, and revolutionary technical demands, as he felt free to break compositional rules.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Scarlatti never intended for his works to be published or to gain fame through them; he composed primarily for himself and his royal pupil, Maria Barbara of Spain.
Interpretation
Pianist Claire Huangci grouped Scarlatti's one-movement sonatas into larger Baroque Suites and Classical Sonatas for this album, aiming to highlight his bridge between these eras.
Composer Biography
Domenico Scarlatti, born in Naples in 1685, was the sixth of ten children of Alessandro Scarlatti, who was a successful and influential composer of his time.
Composer Biography
Scarlatti became a friend of George Frideric Handel, and they once competed in a friendly contest of virtuosity on the harpsichord and organ, with Scarlatti winning on harpsichord.
