Domenico Scarlatti – Pastorale Sonata Transcribed

Domenico Scarlatti, Handel and Bach were born in the same year, 1685. Born in Naples, Scarlatti soon established himself as a virtuoso harpsichordist rivalling Handel with his keyboard skills. Nearly half his life was spent in Spain, where his keyboard compositions were inspired by the astringent harmonies and subtle rhythms of Spanish Folk Music. He died in Madrid in 1757. The Pastorale and Sonata are both relatively unknown compositions. The simplicity of the Pastorale belies a sophisticated architecture but with a large emotional impact. The Sonata is greatly inspired by the “Jota”, a gritty and exciting Spanish Dance. These two pieces pair well for Concert Performance. Professor David Watkins. The Pastorale is Easy to Medium Grade The Sonata is Medium to Difficult Grade