Domenico Scarlatti

Like the Bachs of Germany, the Scarlattis of Italy were a dynasty of gifted composers who left their mark on music in the Baroque and Classical era. The career of Domenico Scarlatti (1865-1757) – son of Alessandro, brother of Pietro Filippo, nephew of Francesco and either cousin or uncle (a mystery to this day) of Giuseppe – pioneered a style of keyboard music that bridged the two eras. While in Italy, Scarlatti composed several operas, but it was in Madrid, in Spain, that he sealed his reputation as the finest harpsichord player of his day, composing the 555 keyboard sonatas for which he is now chiefly known. His music has a distinctive Iberian flavor, reflecting the influence of Spanish and Portuguese folk music, in turn influenced by its Arabic and gypsy roots. Most modern knowledge of Scarlatti’s life comes from his correspondences with his close friend Farinelli, history’s most celebrated castrato.