Named in memory of the great Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757). He spent the first half of his life under the shadow of his father, Alessandro Scarlatti. After leaving Italy for Portugal in 1719, and particularly after his father’s death in 1725, he developed a style that made him one of the greatest keyboard composers of all time. At the Portuguese court he served as music master for the young Princess Maria Barbara. In 1729 she moved with him to Spain, where he spent the rest of his life. Most of his known 550 harpsichord sonatas were dedicated to this princess, who herself was unusually gifted musically. (M 26766) _ _.