31 Days of Classical, Day 22: Drama and a feeling of grandeur

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody -- each piece is special in some way -- and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Domenico Scarlatti, Keyboard Sonata K. 119

I heart Domenico Scarlatti. His dad, Alessandro, was no slouch either. There are arguments within the walls of Classical MPR about who was better, Alessandro or Domenico.

Domenico wrote 555 keyboard sonatas. Five hundred and fifty-five. To be fair, many are quite short, but each is constructed like a master carpenter would build a house. I adore this particular sonata, K. 119 (the catalog number is the only way to distinguish these from each other in most circumstances, since they're all named "Sonata" and then the key they're in). I included the harpsichord version first; it's easier to get a sense of how Domenico uses the qualities of the instrument to create drama and a feeling of grandeur. You'll hear this to great effect when he starts adding how many keys are pressed simultaneously, starting at about :45 through :57. He does this a few different times throughout, with another great example at 2:18 - 2:26. The piano version is delightful as well, deftly played by Ivo Pogorelich.

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

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