Domenico Scarlatti

Definition

Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer, born in 1685, known for his significant contributions to keyboard music, particularly for the harpsichord. His innovative sonatas showcase unique harmonic structures and virtuosic techniques, connecting to various aspects of Baroque music and influencing later composers in the Classical and Romantic eras.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scarlatti composed over 550 keyboard sonatas, which are recognized for their inventive style and use of cross-hand technique.
2. His work often blended elements of Italian and Spanish music, reflecting his time spent in both countries.
3. Scarlatti's sonatas typically feature distinctive rhythmic patterns and unexpected harmonic shifts that were revolutionary for their time.
4. He is considered a precursor to Classical composers like Haydn and Beethoven due to his innovative approach to form and structure.
5. Scarlatti's influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the development of keyboard music and performance practices in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Review Questions

• How did Domenico Scarlatti's compositions for the harpsichord demonstrate innovative playing techniques that influenced later musicians?
  • Scarlatti's compositions featured advanced playing techniques such as rapid hand crossings and intricate fingerings that showcased the capabilities of the harpsichord. His use of cross-hand techniques allowed performers to explore new sound possibilities, pushing the boundaries of keyboard performance. These innovations not only made his works more expressive but also laid the groundwork for future keyboard compositions, impacting how musicians approached the instrument.
• In what ways did Scarlatti's work contribute to the evolution of the sonata form during the Baroque period?
  • Scarlatti's extensive output of over 550 sonatas introduced novel elements that expanded the traditional sonata form. He often utilized non-standard structures and contrasting themes within a single movement, breaking away from strict adherence to classical forms. This flexibility allowed for greater emotional expression and paved the way for later composers to experiment further with sonata structure, making Scarlatti a key figure in its evolution.
• Evaluate Domenico Scarlatti's influence on the development of keyboard music and how it shaped the musical landscape of the Classical and Romantic periods.
  • Domenico Scarlatti's innovative keyboard works established a new standard for virtuosic performance and compositional techniques that profoundly influenced subsequent generations of composers. His unique blend of Italian melodic elements with Spanish rhythms created a distinctive style that resonated with later composers such as Mozart and Chopin. As musicians adopted Scarlatti's ideas, they further explored expressive possibilities in keyboard music, ultimately shaping the evolution of Western classical music during both the Classical and Romantic periods.

Related terms

Sonata:

A musical composition typically for a solo instrument or a small ensemble, often structured in three main sections: exposition, development, and recapitulation.

Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument popular in the Baroque period, characterized by its plucked strings and distinct sound, which was widely used in both solo and ensemble music.

Concerto Grosso: A Baroque musical form that features a small group of solo instruments (the concertino) contrasted with a larger ensemble (the ripieno).