As many of his admirers know, Scarlatti wrote his sonatas in binary form, though many listeners will hear the two halves as very closely related, a sort of exposition section followed by a slight development. Furthermore, secondary thematic material generally seems to organically and effortlessly evolve from the main themes. Generalizations notwithstanding, one could say that each sonata exists in its own world, where nothing sounds episodic or improvisatory, but evolves through a well-thought-out process. This Sonata in G major could be cited as a perfect example of the composer's formal and thematic style. Marked Presto, the work opens with an effervescent descending theme having an upward turn at the end. It then goes on to spawn all sorts of rhythmic and contrapuntal ideas. The material is repeated before Scarlatti develops it in the second part of the work. Here, textures thicken and the mood darkens. Still, the ebullient and vivacious manner of the first half prevails. A bit short, even for a Scarlatti sonata, this composition lasts about two-and-a-half minutes.

© All Music Guide