Scarlatti: Sonatas, Volume 1: Piano Book

This edition addresses the real interpretive questions that arise when teaching Scarlatti: where does ornamentation belong, how do you shape a phrase across repeated figures, and what does "tempo" mean in music written without metronome markings? The four-level grading system lets you sequence sonatas strategically, moving students from accessible early intermediate pieces through works that build genuine virtuosity. You get pedagogical clarity without losing the brilliance of the original.

Scarlatti's sonatas crackle with energy and surprise. You'll find moments of ornamental delicacy alongside athletic passages that require precision and agility. The music has a quality of forward momentum and rhythmic vitality that feels very alive, even in quieter passages. There's elegance and wit throughout, with sudden harmonic shifts and unexpected technical demands that keep both player and listener engaged.

This collection serves intermediate to moderately advanced pianists who are ready to move beyond romantic-era repertoire and encounter the technical and interpretive challenges of Baroque keyboard writing. Teachers will find it invaluable for students developing finger independence, hand coordination, and the ability to project multiple musical lines simultaneously. The graded approach makes it accessible for a range of ability levels without oversimplifying the music.

• Study the fingering suggestions closely, especially for hand-crossing passages and rapid scalar work. Scarlatti's fingering often reveals his intent for tone production and phrasing shape.
• Approach ornamentation as a matter of taste and context rather than a fixed rule. The edition's guidance on expressive character helps you decide which ornaments to realize simply and which to elaborate.
• Shape the repeated figures and rhythmic patterns that anchor many sonatas. Scarlatti's genius often lies in subtle variations of a simple idea; slight tempo flexibility and dynamic shaping make these variations audible.
• Balance the hand-crossing and rapid passagework with clarity and evenness. Speed is less important than control and a sense of forward momentum.

Scarlatti sonatas work beautifully in student recitals, either as standalone pieces or paired with works from other Baroque or Classical composers to illustrate stylistic contrasts. You can also use individual sonatas as the basis for technique-building recital programs, where each piece targets a specific skill. The accessibility of early intermediate selections makes them suitable for demonstration pieces in masterclass or studio settings.

• Hand crossing and rapid figure work across the keyboard
• Ornamentation interpretation and improvisation in Baroque style
• Finger independence and evenness in scalar and repetitive passages
• Phrasing and shaping in music built from rhythmic and melodic fragments
• Sight-reading skills across different levels of technical demand
• Baroque performance practice including tempo flexibility and rhythmic treatment