Domenico Scarlatti's Keyboard Sonata in B minor, K.27, is a captivating piece from his extensive collection of 555 keyboard sonatas. Here are some interesting facts about this particular composition:
Scarlatti's Prolific Output: Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer who spent a significant portion of his career in the service of the Portuguese and Spanish royal families. During his time in Spain, he composed a remarkable collection of keyboard sonatas, of which K.27 is just one.
Virtuosic Challenges: K.27 is known for its technical challenges. Scarlatti was a harpsichord virtuoso himself, and he created many sonatas that pushed the boundaries of keyboard technique. This sonata features rapid ornamentation, trills, and hand-crossing passages, making it a demanding piece for pianists and harpsichordists alike.
Binary Form: The sonata is typically structured in a binary form, meaning it consists of two contrasting sections, each of which is repeated. Scarlatti often used this form in his sonatas, allowing for exploration of different moods and musical ideas.
Expressive Melodies: Despite its technical demands, K.27 also contains expressive and lyrical melodies. Scarlatti was a master at infusing emotion and drama into his keyboard music, and this sonata is no exception.
Exploration of Tonalities: Scarlatti's sonatas are known for their exploration of different tonalities, and K.27 is no different. It modulates through various keys, creating a sense of harmonic exploration and contrast.
Manuscript Discovery: Many of Scarlatti's sonatas, including K.27, were discovered and cataloged long after his death. The sonatas were not widely known or published during his lifetime, and it wasn't until the 20th century that they gained widespread recognition.
Influence on Later Composers: Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas had a significant impact on later composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Liszt. They admired Scarlatti's inventive use of the keyboard and incorporated some of his techniques into their own compositions.
Diverse Character: Scarlatti's sonatas exhibit a wide range of characters and styles. While K.27 is in a minor key and has a somewhat somber tone, Scarlatti's sonatas span the gamut from lively and playful to introspective and melancholic.
Modern Interpretations: Today, Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas, including K.27, are frequently performed on a variety of keyboard instruments, such as harpsichords, pianos, and even modern synthesizers. Different interpretations and performances bring out various aspects of these compositions.
Legacy: Domenico Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas remain an essential part of the keyboard repertoire, and they continue to be studied, performed, and cherished by pianists, harpsichordists, and music enthusiasts around the world. K.27, in particular, showcases his inventive genius and mastery of keyboard writing.