Though first appearing in a Venice manuscript dated 1742, this Sonata in B flat major is probably among Scarlatti's earliest keyboard works. Scarlatti scholar Giorgio Pestelli, in fact, dates it to the first two decades of the eighteenth century. The work has the characteristics of a toccata, especially as exhibited by Scarlatti's father, Alessandro Scarlatti, also a renowned composer of the Baroque era, particularly known for his operas.

Like most of Domenico Scarlatti's early keyboard works, this B flat major effort brims with youthful vitality and an indefatigable sense of joy. Though it lacks a metronomic marking in the score, most pianists or harpsichordists perform it at a fast Allegro or even Presto marking. The music is of a character that begs for an energetic treatment: it opens with a spirited rising scale-like phrase that continues it joyous trek, first ascending, then gradually swirling downward. The music is playful in its breathless scampering, busy in its contrapuntal travels up and down the keyboard, and, as you might suspect, quite challenging for the performer. Though there is some thematic development here, notably in the second half, it is rather uncomplicated. This delightful Sonata typically lasts about two minutes.

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