It is hardly a secret that Scarlatti was influenced by Spanish music in his keyboard sonatas. For example, he liked to imitate the strumming sonorities of the guitar. While the flavor of this Sonata in D major is clearly Spanish, it never sounds derivative or unoriginal. In fact, this work contains distinctive feature that identify it as a composition by Scarlatti, particularly the method of increasing volume levels (the harpsichord allows no variations in dynamics) adding notes to repeating chords. This colorful, brilliant work opens with guitar-like strumming chords in the bass and a jovial, jaunty theme in the upper register. A second melody is soon heard, a lively but less chipper creation that nonetheless does not disrupt the generally bright mood. The material is repeated, after which Scarlatti develops the themes, beginning with the second one, which takes on a delicate, lighter character. Strumming effects and various rhythmic features are highlighted to marvelous effect in the working-out section. This delightful sonata typically has a duration of six minutes.

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