Scarlatti, Domenico: Sonata in D major

Scarlatti, Domenico : Sonata D-Dur K490 L206 4/4 Cantabile  

Composition Period: Circa 1756

①

This is one of the sonatas composed for Queen Maria Barbara of Spain to perform. Although Scarlatti's autograph manuscripts of the sonatas have been completely lost, these sonatas survive in 15 volumes of manuscripts used by the Queen (commonly known as the Venice Manuscripts), and K490 is included in Volume 12 (completed in 1756). This sonata is considered a late work among Scarlatti's sonatas.

The majority of Scarlatti's sonatas are believed to have been composed and performed in pairs, though some sets consist of three pieces; K490 is thought to form a set with K491 and K492.

②

The entire piece is characterized by the contrast between rapid scalic figures in 16th and 32nd notes and smooth figures with dotted rhythms. The immediate repetition of the same passage is also characteristic. The structure of the piece can be divided into [measures 1-16], [measures 17-48], [measures 49-61], and [measures 62-93]; [measures 62-93] re-present [measures 17-48]. While [measures 17-48] were in the dominant key of A major, [measures 62-93] are in the tonic key of D major.

Throughout the piece, the bass line clearly indicates the cadences, making it easier to perform with a sense of cohesion. Furthermore, the chromatic progression of the bass line from measures 13 to 16, and the non-harmonic tones in the melody against the accompaniment's harmony, are thought to create a tension appropriate for the conclusion of the piece's opening section.

Measures 49 to 61 contain modulatory characteristics and convey a lyrical impression. Although the right hand merely repeats the same figure from measures 50 to 58, the way the left hand's chordal sonorities make the listener feel as if emotions are fluctuating demonstrates Scarlatti's high level of musical expressiveness.