Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757)
Professional Profile: Virtuoso Harpsichordist and Revolutionary Baroque Composer.
Historical Significance: A contemporary of Bach and Handel, Scarlatti transformed keyboard music through his highly original and technically daring sonatas.
Life Between Italy, Portugal, and Spain
Born in Naples as the son of the famous opera composer Alessandro Scarlatti, Domenico’s career took a decisive turn when he moved to Lisbon in 1719 to serve as a music teacher for the Portuguese Infanta, Maria Bárbara. When she married the future King Ferdinand VI of Spain, Scarlatti followed her to Madrid, where he spent the final 28 years of his life. This Spanish period profoundly influenced his musical language, as he incorporated the rhythms, guitar-like figurations, and folk influences of the Iberian Peninsula into his writing.
The 555 Keyboard Sonatas
Scarlatti’s primary legacy is a monumental collection of over 500 single-movement keyboard sonatas (often referred to as Essercizi). These works were far ahead of their time, featuring:
- Technical Innovations: Rapid repetitions, wide leaps, and hand-crossing that pushed harpsichord technique to its limits.
- Harmonic Daring: The use of “accaccituras” (dissonant “crushed” notes) and abrupt modulations that created a unique, often fiery atmosphere.
- Structural Brilliance: While mostly in binary form, each sonata explores a specific musical character or technical challenge.
Scarlatti and the Guitar: A Natural Connection
Although Scarlatti never composed specifically for the lute or the guitar, his music is deeply “guitaristic” in nature. Many musicologists believe he deliberately imitated the sounds of the Spanish guitar on the harpsichord.
- Transcription Suitability: Due to the clear two-part textures and the frequent use of internal pedal points and strumming-like effects, many of his sonatas translate seamlessly to the classical guitar.
- A Staple of the Repertoire: Legendary guitarists such as Andrés Segovia, Julian Bream, and John Williams have popularized Scarlatti transcriptions. Today, performing a Scarlatti sonata is considered a standard benchmark for technical and stylistic mastery in classical guitar.
- The Lute Context: Baroque lutenists also find great success in transcribing his earlier, more contrapuntal works, which resonate beautifully with the instrument’s delicate timbre.
Notable Sonatas for Guitarists
While any selection is subjective, several sonatas have become essential to the guitar repertoire:
- K. 1 (L. 366): Known for its bright, energetic character.
- K. 11 (L. 352): A melancholic and lyrical piece perfect for expressive phrasing.
- K. 208 (L. 238): A slow, aria-like sonata that showcases the guitar’s sustain.
- K. 322 (L. 483): Frequently performed for its elegant and idiomatic melody.
