Domenico Scarlatti's musical legacy celebrated

On the anniversary of his birth, the life and diverse musical contributions of Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) are being highlighted. While widely recognized for his 555 keyboard sonatas, Scarlatti's repertoire extended significantly into sacred and operatic genres, including operas, cantatas, sinfonias, and liturgical pieces.

The son of renowned opera composer Alessandro Scarlatti, Domenico received early musical training in Naples before working in Florence and Venice. His career included service in Rome for the exiled Queen of Poland, Maria Casimira, and various roles at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the papal Cappella Giulia. His work is noted for its harmonic richness and the integration of emotive sacred texts with melodic, sometimes operatic, elements.