This Sonata, preserved in the fifth Venice volume, dating to 1753, was probably composed in the early 1750s. It is somewhat unusual not only because of its sparse, two-part writing and resultant transparent textures, but owing also to its unremittingly sober, often reflective mood. Scarlatti, of course, occasionally turned out music of a ponderous or dark cast, but here, in a Sonata lasting five to six minutes, he consistently eschews virtuosic writing while also turning away from his typically colorful, brighter keyboard style in favor of gray shadings and muted emotions.

Not that this Sonata is difficult listening fare: its elegance and gentleness are quite attractive, not to mention its subtle thematic wares. Marked Andante, the work opens with a lovely, gentle theme, built largely upon a rhythmic figure that permeates the lengthy and ranging path of both the first and second subjects. As usual Scarlatti employs his development section in the second half of the work. Again, however, the Sonata is unusual here, since the composer launches this portion with an expansion of the second subject, leaving the opening thematic section virtually out of consideration. While the development half is a bit more serious, it is also more animated and somewhat less reflective.

© All Music Guide