Scarlatti Sonata K119 Analysis

Scarlatti Sonata K119 Analysis

• Sonata in D major, theme in A major (dominant key)
• Demonstrates rounded binary form
• Pianist plays without repeating second half, maintaining balanced binary form

Binary Forms in Music

• Simple Binary: Basic two-part structure
• Rounded Binary: Returns main theme after contrasting section
• Balanced Binary: Equal-length sections, returning to original key
• Scarlatti Sonata K119 exemplifies balanced binary
• Characteristics include hand crossings, repeated notes, dissonant chords (chacatura)

Domenico Scarlatti: Background and Style

• Italian composer, active in Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain)
• Personal tutor to Princess Maria Barbara (later Queen of Spain)
• Incorporated Iberian folk influences
• Musical techniques: hand crossings, repeated notes, large leaps, chacatura (crushed chords)
• Sonatas cataloged by Kirkpatrick number (K number)

Cataloging Systems: K Numbers

• Used to identify specific works by composers
• Scarlatti (Kirkpatrick), Mozart (Köchel), Haydn (Hoboken)

Early Symphony Developments

• Sammartini Symphony: One of earliest known, binary form, 1740s, 10-16 strings & harpsichord, under 10 minutes
• Stamitz Symphony in E-flat: Binary form, three movements, 12-15 minutes, 2 horns, 2 oboes, and strings
• Uses tremolo and crescendos

Sonata-Allegro Form: 18th vs. 19th Century

• 18th Century (Rounded Binary): Two-part form (A and B sections), repeats in both exposition and development/recapitulation
• 19th Century (Three-Part Form): Exposition repeated, development larger section, recapitulation without repeat, more symmetrical structure

Haydn: Life and Contributions

• Served Esterházy family for 30 years in castle with multiple concert halls
• Works cataloged by Hoboken (36-volume collection)
• Nicknamed "Papa Haydn," considered father of symphony and string quartet
• Composed ~106 symphonies, 66 string quartets, numerous keyboard sonatas, and keyboard trios
• Styles: Galant, Sensitive, Rhythmic Variety, Learned, Wit

Haydn's Symphonies: Eras and Characteristics

• Six Eras:
  • First five symphonies: Three movements.
  • Les Matins, Middis, Soirs: Morning, midday, and evening symphonies
  • Sturm und Drang: Minor keys, dramatic effect
  • Galant Style: Major keys, popular sound (e.g., Symphony No. 56 in C major)
  • Paris Symphonies: Composed after contract renegotiation, sold to Paris publishers
  • London Symphonies: Composed on trips to London, Clock and Surprise symphonies are famous.
• Initially prevented from profiting beyond employment, later circumstances allowed sales to outside parties
• Later works included masses and oratorios

Upcoming Quizzes and Assignments

• Friday Quiz: Keyboard and symphony topics (binary forms, sonata-allegro differences, Haydn's styles)
• Wednesday: Introduction to Haydn with listening sessions
• Essay Preparation: Describe the differences between 18th and 19th-century sonata-allegro forms, focusing on repetition and structural changes

Action Items

• Listening: Scarlatti Sonata K119 (hand crossings, repeated notes, chacatura), three piano excerpts
• Reading: Balanced binary form in Scarlatti's works, Hoboken numbers and key Haydn symphonies
• Quiz Preparation: Review binary forms, sonata-allegro forms, Haydn's stylistic elements, 18th/19th-century sonata forms

Follow-up

• Next Session: Haydn's music, structural and stylistic analysis of Haydn's symphonies
• Future Quizzes: Two quizzes next Friday (Quiz 2 & 3), covering early classical topics
• Additional Topics: Sonata Cycle, Mozart and Beethoven's contributions, Alberti Bass