Domenico Scarlatti
Ninety Sonatas in Three Volumes, Volume I (Volume 1) (Dover Classical Piano Music)
Domenico Scarlatti
BOOK REVIEW

Domenico Scarlatti: Ninety Sonatas in Three Volumes, Volume I is not merely a collection of piano sonatas; it's a portal into the sublime world of Baroque music where each note reverberates with the passionate pulse of history. As you turn the pages of this remarkable volume, you're not just grasping at melodies; you're grasping the very essence of a man who dared to reshape the landscape of classical music, enclosing within his compositions a swirling cosmos of feeling and innovation. 🌌
Born in 1685, right alongside the likes of J.S. Bach and George Frideric Handel, Scarlatti's life was a tapestry woven from the threads of his travels across Europe, particularly his time spent in the vibrant courts of Portugal and Spain. It was here, amidst the crossroads of cultures, that he crafted his distinctive style. The sheer audacity of his work-infused with the flirtation of dance rhythms and the clarity of the emerging Classical style-could make you question the boundaries of music itself. 🔥
As you delve into the Ninety Sonatas, each piece unfolds a narrative, igniting the imagination. From the buoyant energy of the Allegro to the subtle melancholy wrapped in a Largo, you will feel as though you're traversing an emotional landscape, every sonata a new vista. The way Scarlatti plays with form-his daring use of harmony and innovative counterpoint-resonates deeply with anyone seeking to understand the evolution of piano music. Some have said that listening to these sonatas feels like unearthing a long-lost letter from an old friend, each phrase carrying a tale that touches the heart. 💖
For many listeners and performers, this volume is a rite of passage; it holds within its covers the challenge and thrill of mastering a repertoire that demands both technical prowess and emotional depth. Feedback from pianists reveals a mix of exhilaration and frustration, with each sonata testing their skills, yet promising tremendous satisfaction when conquered. Critics have noted that the vivaciousness of Scarlatti's work often makes it both a joy and a deep challenge, celebrating the brilliance while grappling with the complexity.
Moreover, Scarlatti's impact reaches beyond the ivory keys. His innovative spirit inspired generations of composers, paving the way for the likes of Chopin and Liszt. From the whirlwind of the Ninety Sonatas, you can trace the lineage of musical genius that reshaped Western classical music. Yet, even as you navigate this rich heritage, be warned: the melodies have a way of echoing in your mind long after the notes have faded. How does one escape the grip of music that speaks so profoundly to the soul? 🎶
In a world that often feels chaotic, diving into Scarlatti's Ninety Sonatas offers sanctuary. It allows us to engage with the beauty of the past, while simultaneously igniting our spirits in the present. Each piece feels like an invitation-not just to listen but to feel, to reflect, to connect with something greater than ourselves. By engaging with this extraordinary work, you might just discover a piece of your own story woven into its complex harmonies.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical odyssey. Open this volume and let Scarlatti's genius take you on a journey where time slips away, and all that remains is pure, unadulterated sound. Your emotions will be set ablaze, and you may find that, perhaps for the first time, you truly grasp what it means to be moved by music. 🎹✨️
📖 Domenico Scarlatti: Ninety Sonatas in Three Volumes, Volume I (Volume 1) (Dover Classical Piano Music)
✍ by Domenico Scarlatti
🧾 144 pages
2012
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