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Musicology:
Preserved in the 10th Venice volume, from 1755, this Sonata sometimes carries the tag Barcarolle because of the rocking rhythmic character heard in parts of the work, particularly in the opening of the two expository sections. The music is predominantly lyrical throughout the three-and-a-half minutes' duration of the work, but it also exhibits a playful, jaunty side in its generally sunny temperament. Like many late sonatas by Scarlatti, its joy is less eager and driven, divulging a sort of serene or contented sense of purpose.
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Sonata in A, K.429, L.132Key: A
Genre: Sonata
Pr. Instrument: Harpsichord
Marked Allegro, the Sonata opens with the aforementioned rocking lilt, over which a gentle, bouncy theme is presented. A comparatively anxious second subject emerges from the rhythmic material and just when the listener thinks the music is about to take on a more serious character from the seemingly growing tension, the mood relaxes and turns playful and light again. The development section, typically occupying the second half in Scarlatti's sonatas, begins without the rhythmic lilt, the main theme sounding more serious and somewhat lonely here, though remaining gentle and serene. Soon, however, the music returns to its playful roots and the developed material is heard a second time, as was typical in Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas.
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