Composer

:

Domenico Scarlatti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1756 - 1757

Average_duration

:

3:56

The Sonata for keyboard in D minor, K. 141, L. 422, is a composition by the Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti. It was composed in the early 18th century, during the Baroque period, and is one of Scarlatti's most famous keyboard sonatas. The piece is in three movements and is characterized by its virtuosic keyboard writing and its use of the Baroque style. The sonata was likely composed in the early 1700s, during Scarlatti's time in the service of the Portuguese royal family. It was first published in 1738 as part of Scarlatti's collection of keyboard sonatas, which he called "Essercizi per gravicembalo" (Exercises for Harpsichord). The sonata has since become a staple of the keyboard repertoire and is frequently performed and recorded. The first movement of the sonata is marked "Allegro," and is characterized by its lively, energetic rhythm and its use of rapid, virtuosic keyboard figurations. The movement is in binary form, with two contrasting sections that are repeated. The first section is in D minor and features a series of fast, arpeggiated figures that move up and down the keyboard. The second section is in A minor and is more lyrical and melodic, with a slower tempo and a more legato style. The second movement of the sonata is marked "Adagio," and is a slow, expressive piece that is characterized by its use of ornamentation and its rich harmonies. The movement is in ternary form, with a central section that is more virtuosic and elaborate than the outer sections. The movement is in the key of F major, and features a series of descending arpeggios that are ornamented with trills and other embellishments. The final movement of the sonata is marked "Allegro," and is a lively, dance-like piece that is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and its rapid, virtuosic keyboard writing. The movement is in binary form, with two contrasting sections that are repeated. The first section is in D minor and features a series of fast, syncopated rhythms that create a sense of tension and excitement. The second section is in A minor and is more lyrical and melodic, with a slower tempo and a more legato style. Overall, the Sonata for keyboard in D minor, K. 141, L. 422, is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases Scarlatti's mastery of the keyboard and his skill in writing for the Baroque style. Its three movements are characterized by their contrasting moods and styles, and the piece remains a popular and beloved work in the keyboard repertoire.

More....