About: Keyboard Sonata, K. 141 (Scarlatti)

The Keyboard Sonata in D minor, K. 141, is a solo keyboard sonata written for harpsichord by the Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti. The sonata is characterised by fast repeated notes throughout, which makes it generally difficult to play. Because of its virtuosity, the piece is also described as a toccata. The piece contains many idioms characteristic of Scarlatti, such as hand crossing, a technique most closely associated with the composer. The piece is in D minor, which is Scarlatti's most used minor key. Scarlatti's sonata shows a Spanish influence, especially of Spanish dance music with guitar technique and syncopated rhythms.