Composer

:

Domenico Scarlatti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Average_duration

:

4:41

Domenico Scarlatti's Sonata for keyboard in E flat major, K. 51, L. 20, is a solo keyboard work that was composed in the early 18th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1738 and 1740. The sonata is one of Scarlatti's most popular works and is frequently performed by pianists and harpsichordists today. The sonata is in three movements, with a total playing time of approximately six minutes. The first movement is marked Allegro and is in binary form. It begins with a lively and energetic theme that is characterized by its use of syncopation and rapid scalar passages. The second half of the movement features a contrasting theme that is more lyrical and expressive. The movement ends with a brief coda that brings the piece to a close. The second movement is marked Andante and is in ternary form. It is a slow and contemplative piece that features a simple and elegant melody. The left hand provides a gentle accompaniment with broken chords and arpeggios. The middle section of the movement features a more complex and ornate melody that is played in the right hand. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, which is played with a slightly different harmonic progression. The final movement is marked Allegro and is in binary form. It is a lively and virtuosic piece that showcases Scarlatti's skill as a keyboard composer. The movement features rapid scalar passages, intricate ornamentation, and frequent changes in texture and dynamics. The second half of the movement features a contrasting theme that is more lyrical and expressive. The movement ends with a brief coda that brings the piece to a close. Overall, Scarlatti's Sonata for keyboard in E flat major, K. 51, L. 20, is a masterful example of Baroque keyboard music. It is characterized by its lively and energetic themes, intricate ornamentation, and virtuosic keyboard writing. The sonata remains a popular and frequently performed work today, and it continues to be admired for its technical brilliance and expressive beauty.

More....