Domenico Scarlatti

Definition

Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer known for his significant contributions to keyboard music, particularly through his sonatas for harpsichord. His works are characterized by their innovative use of harmony, rhythm, and form, establishing him as a key figure in the development of the keyboard repertoire during the Baroque period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scarlatti composed over 550 keyboard sonatas, many of which showcase virtuosic techniques and innovative harmonic progressions.
2. His music often features contrasting themes and rapid shifts in mood, reflecting the dynamic style of the Baroque period.
3. Scarlatti's influence extended beyond Italy; he spent much of his life in Spain and Portugal, where he absorbed various musical traditions.
4. He is known for his innovative use of the keyboard, including fingerings that required considerable technical skill, which influenced later composers such as Bach and Beethoven.
5. Despite being primarily recognized for his keyboard works, Scarlatti also composed operas and sacred music, though his sonatas remain his most celebrated contribution.

Review Questions

• How did Domenico Scarlatti's approach to composing keyboard sonatas differ from his contemporaries?
  • Domenico Scarlatti's approach to composing keyboard sonatas was marked by his innovative use of harmony and rhythm. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on strict forms and structures, Scarlatti embraced a more free-form style that allowed for rapid thematic changes and emotional contrasts within each piece. His unique techniques, such as hand crossings and complex fingerings, set him apart as a forward-thinking composer who expanded the possibilities of keyboard music.
• What impact did Domenico Scarlatti have on the development of keyboard music during the Baroque period?
  • Domenico Scarlatti had a profound impact on the development of keyboard music during the Baroque period by pushing the boundaries of what was possible on instruments like the harpsichord. His over 550 sonatas incorporated innovative harmonic language and virtuosic demands that inspired future generations of composers. Through his unique blend of Italian flair and Spanish influences, Scarlatti laid the groundwork for the evolution of keyboard repertoire that followed him.
• Evaluate how Domenico Scarlatti's compositions reflect the broader characteristics of the Baroque period and how they influenced later musical developments.
  • Domenico Scarlatti's compositions exemplify key characteristics of the Baroque period through their intricate ornamentation, emotional expressiveness, and innovative use of form. His exploration of contrasting themes and complex rhythms resonates with the Baroque aesthetic that favored dramatic contrasts and expressive melodies. Moreover, Scarlatti's sonatas influenced later composers by showcasing the potential of keyboard instruments, paving the way for classical sonata forms and inspiring musicians like Bach and Beethoven to expand their own compositional techniques.

Related terms

Sonata:

A musical composition for one or more instruments, typically structured in multiple contrasting sections or movements.

Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings, prevalent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, which Scarlatti extensively wrote for.

Baroque Period: An era in music history spanning from approximately 1600 to 1750, characterized by the use of ornamentation, contrast, and expressive melodies.