Work

Domenico Scarlatti

Domenico Scarlatti Composer

Sonata in G, K.391, L.79

Performances: 3
Tracks: 2
MIDIs: 1
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Musicology:
  • Sonata in G, K.391, L.79
    Key: G
    Genre: Sonata
    Pr. Instrument: Harpsichord

This G major work has been one of Scarlatti's more popular sonatas, not least because Vladimir Horowitz played and recorded the work. But what makes this composition particularly appealing is its Spanish character (Scarlatti spent the second half of his career in Spain). Graceful and light in a particularly Spanish way, this sonata has been successfully transcribed for guitar, gaining popularity as a guitar piece. The work opens with an ebullient theme whose five-note phrases at the outset are followed by a graceful descending close, the first part, one could say, asking a question, and the latter part provodong the answer. Variants of the theme appear before it is repeated, to conclude the expository section. The development in the second half of the work exhibits Scarlatti's usual deft imaginative touches, as the thematic material undergoes transformation while retaining the same light and graceful manner. This sonata typically has a duration of two minutes.

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