Scarlatti: Sonatas For Two Harpsichods

Ilario Gregoletto (Klavecimbel)
Elena Modena (Klavecimbel, Basso Continuo)
The compositions detailed in this release are unique in that they are modern arrangements, based on a series of keyboard sonatas originally written for solo violin (or woodwind) and continuo. As a result, they differ from Scarlatti’s genuine works for the instrument, which prefer a single-movement binary structure to the multi-movement form exhibited here – a form which uses the Sonata da chiesa’s ‘slow–fast–slow–fast’ scheme in all of the pieces except K89, whose 3-movement layout compares to the early-18th-century violin sonata.

Containing many expressive features such as the chromatic-based four-semiquaver figure that pervades the opening movement of K81, these delightful works have been skilfully adapted to suit the compilation’s duo arrangement. They are performed with aplomb by Gregoletto and Modena – a partnership that has contributed many fine recordings to Newton Classics’ keyboard library, and whose engaging playing on this release allows fresh insight into a small but significant area of Italian Baroque music.