Domenico Scarlatti (jan 1, 1685 – jan 1, 1757)

Description:

Nationality: Italian

Though virtually unknown throughout Europe during his lifetime, he was one of the most original and creative composers of the 18th century. He composed most of his harpsichord sonatas while he was in the service of Maria Barbara, daughter of King John V of Portugal and later the wife of King Ferdinand VI of Spain. He was also a friend and exact contemporary of Handel.

Musical Characteristics
He typically used balanced binary form in his sonatas, and the harmonic scheme was also paramount. The sheer diversity of figuration set his sonatas apart from earlier keyboard pieces. His characteristic features include large leaps, rushing scales, and rapid arpeggios, along with immediate idea repetition ("self-parroting")

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