D.Scarlatti, Keyboard Sonata, K.13 (L.486) in G major (Glenn Gould)

D.Scarlatti's Keyboard Sonata K.13 (L.486) in G major, with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score)
Performance: Glenn Gould (piano), 1968/01/30, 02/05, 06 (ⓟ 1980) Stereo, 30th Street Studios, New York City
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan


OVERVIEW

Scarlatti’s Sonata K.13 in G major is a bright, lively, and elegantly crafted early sonata.
It has a cheerful character and features quick melodic gestures, graceful ornaments, and a dance-like rhythmic flow.
Like most of Scarlatti’s sonatas, it is written in binary form.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

K.13 belongs to Scarlatti’s early group of sonatas, composed around the 1720s, most likely during his time in Portugal before he moved to Spain.
It was published in 1738 as part of the famous collection “Essercizi per Gravicembalo,” the only set of sonatas Scarlatti released during his lifetime.
These early sonatas were composed for Princess Maria Barbara, whom Scarlatti taught for many years.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cheerful and elegant mood: Unlike some of Scarlatti’s dramatic or fiery sonatas, K.13 has a light and refreshing character, showing his skill in writing joyful music.
Dance-like energy: The rhythm suggests Baroque dance patterns, giving the piece a natural sense of motion and grace.
Brilliant keyboard writing: It features fast scales, lively figurations, and clear textures that demonstrate Scarlatti’s early interest in virtuosic keyboard technique.
Balanced structure: The sonata shows his mastery of concise musical ideas, using simple motifs that develop naturally within the two-part form.
A glimpse of Scarlatti’s developing style: While it is less daring than his later Spanish-influenced sonatas, it still shows the charm, wit, and craftsmanship that define his keyboard music.



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