Introduction

Domenico Scarlatti is a pivotal figure in the history of music, particularly in the realm of keyboard technique and repertoire. This article delves into what Scarlatti is known for, his significance in music education, and how his works have influenced modern piano teachers and students alike.

Early Encounters with Scarlatti

First introduced to Domenico Scarlatti through my highly skilled piano tutor, my journey with his music was a profound and transformative one. In the early 1990s, I was in search of a piano instructor and stumbled upon the advertisement in Time Out, a prominent London magazine. My tutor, who was to become my mentor for the next seven years, asked me what I wanted to achieve—my optimistic answer was to learn Mozart's piano sonatas in around 18 months. His humorous response, much to my surprise, suggested a commitment of five years to mastering the craft. My commitment led to seven years of rigorous piano lessons, with lessons priced from ￡18 to ￡26 per hour.

Scarlatti and His Sonatas

During our lessons, after mastering the Mikrokosmos of Bela Bartok, we ventured into Scarlatti's sonatas. To fully understand and appreciate Scarlatti's work, I acquired the Editio Musica Budapest four-volume edition containing 200 of his sonatas. Our pedagogical journey involved working through a selection of these sonatas at a pace of one per fortnight to three weeks. Additionally, I listened to Scott Ross's Complete Keyboard Works of Domenico Scarlatti, released on the Erato record label, to set a performance standard.

The Influence of Scarlatti on Keyboard Technique

My piano teacher's approach was both unique and flawless. He recognized the potential of a committed student and sought to experiment with Scarlatti's sonatas as a tool for developing Baroque keyboard technique. Scarlatti's 555 sonatas serve as a comprehensive and perfect Baroque ideal for keyboard technique, as he used these pieces to teach his pupil and future harpsichordist, the Infanta Maria Barbara, the Portuguese wife of King Ferdinand VI of Spain. Through these lessons, I was exposed to the Baroque style and prepared to appreciate and play Mozart's piano sonatas.

The Significance of Scarlatti in Music Education

Scarlatti's works are essential for students and teachers alike. His sonatas not only showcase his musical genius but also provide a deep understanding of Baroque music. By studying Scarlatti, students can grasp the technical nuances and emotional depth of this period. Teachers, like my mentor, use his compositions as a pedagogical tool to develop a student's technique and appreciate early keyboard music.

Conclusion

In summary, Domenico Scarlatti is renowned for his innovative and exemplary approaches to keyboard technique and composition. His sonatas are a perfect Baroque ideal, reflecting the complexity and beauty of Baroque music. Through his pedagogical innovations, Scarlatti has left a lasting legacy in music education, providing a framework for modern students and teachers to explore and appreciate this period's rich musical heritage.