Scarlatti's sonatas often feature acrobatic instrumental techniques and an austere, irregular, and contrasted style of writing.
Scarlatti's sonatas frequently incorporate elements from local Iberian folklore, such as dances, harmonic modes, and imitations of instruments.
Pierre Hantaï, the harpsichordist on this album, was deeply influenced by Gustav Leonhardt's harpsichord recordings and later studied with him.
Scarlatti believed that the only rule worth a musician's attention was not to displease the ear, the sole sense music is for.
Domenico Scarlatti, the composer of these sonatas, was born in Naples in 1685, the same year as Bach and Handel.
Scarlatti's instrumental technique has a 'choreographic' aspect, with many leaps, hand-crossings, runs, and glissandos that are visually impressive.
Scarlatti moved to Lisbon in 1719 to serve as music director for King João V and to educate his daughter, Princess Maria Bárbara.
