Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonatas

Dive into the enchanting world of Domenico Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas with this exquisite collection, released in 1985 to celebrate the tercentenary of the composer's birth. This album, featuring Mikhail Pletnev at the piano, offers a captivating journey through 19 of Scarlatti's most celebrated sonatas, each a masterclass in baroque elegance and technical brilliance.

Domenico Scarlatti, an Italian composer of the Baroque era, is renowned for his prolific output of keyboard sonatas, which number over 550. This album showcases a selection of his finest works, composed in various keys and styles, demonstrating Scarlatti's innovative approach to harmony and form. From the dramatic intensity of the Sonata in G Minor, Kk. 450, to the playful charm of the Sonata in E Major, Kk. 531, each piece is a testament to Scarlatti's enduring genius.

The album, released by Deutsche Grammophon, spans nearly an hour of pure musical delight, with each sonata meticulously performed and recorded to capture the essence of Scarlatti's original compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of baroque music, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.

The sonatas on this album were recorded between June 1984 and September 1985, and were widely acclaimed by critics for their technical virtuosity and musical depth. The album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Scarlatti's music, which continues to inspire and enchant audiences more than three centuries after its composition.

Domenico Scarlatti, born in 1685 in Naples, was an Italian composer whose innovative keyboard sonatas have left an indelible mark on the classical music world. Born into a musical family, Scarlatti's talents quickly matched those of his renowned father, Alessandro Scarlatti. While he composed in various forms, it is his 555 harpsichord sonatas that have secured his lasting fame. Scarlatti's music, though rooted in the Baroque era, was instrumental in shaping the Classical style, making him a pivotal figure in music history. His compositions are celebrated for their rhythmic brilliance and inventive genius, offering a vivid and vivacious musical experience. Scarlatti's legacy endures through his extensive body of instrumental music, which continues to inspire and captivate musicians and audiences alike.