Composer

:

Domenico Scarlatti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Average_duration

:

3:08

Domenico Scarlatti's Sonata for keyboard in E minor, K. 198, L. 22, is a solo keyboard piece that was composed in the early 18th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1733 and 1738. The sonata is one of Scarlatti's most popular works and is frequently performed by pianists and harpsichordists. The sonata is in three movements, with the first and third movements in E minor and the second movement in E major. The first movement is marked Andante, and it features a melancholic melody that is played over a simple accompaniment. The second movement is marked Allegro, and it is a lively and energetic piece that showcases Scarlatti's virtuosic keyboard writing. The third movement is marked Allegro, and it is a fast and lively piece that features rapid runs and arpeggios. One of the characteristics of Scarlatti's keyboard music is his use of the binary form, which consists of two contrasting sections that are repeated. This structure is evident in the first and third movements of the sonata, which both feature a repeated A section and a contrasting B section. Scarlatti also frequently used the technique of imitation, in which a melody is repeated in different voices or registers. This technique is evident in the second movement of the sonata, which features a playful melody that is passed between the hands. Scarlatti's keyboard music is known for its virtuosity and technical demands, and the Sonata in E minor is no exception. The piece requires a high level of skill and dexterity, particularly in the second and third movements, which feature rapid runs and arpeggios. Despite its technical demands, the sonata is also a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Scarlatti's gift for melody and his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through his music. The Sonata for keyboard in E minor, K. 198, L. 22, was likely composed for Scarlatti's patron, the Queen of Spain, and it remains a beloved and frequently performed work in the keyboard repertoire.

More....