"Sonata in D major K96"

Paper Summary:

The paper compares and contrasts two different renditions of Domenica Scarlatti's "Sonata in D major, K96"; a recording of Cziffra and and that of Fabio Bidini. The paper shows how the performances of Cziffra and Bidini are diametric opposites in many ways. The paper examines the performances from the point of view of accuracy and concludes that Cziffra's performance is much more accurate from a historical standpoint, although it may not be as pleasing to the modern ear. The paper includes a copy of the notes of Scarlatti's sonata.

Outline:
Liberal vs. Conservative Viewpoints
Historical Context of the Piece
Performance Critique

From the Paper:

"Scarlatti was one of the most renowned composers of the time. His music helped to define the baroque style and influenced many composers after him. Domenico Scarlatti was born in Naples, Italy in 1685 and died in Madrid, Spain in 1757. Scarlatti is believed to be a pupil of his father, who was also a well-known baroque composer. Scarlatti often found himself playing for royalty throughout his life.
"One of the most significant events in Scarlatti's life was when Handel's' patron, Cardinal Ottoboni, arranged a friendly duel between Scarlatti and Handel. The contest ended in a tie, with Handel being named the best organist and Scarlatti being named the best harpsichordist (Kennedy and Courne). This famous showdown furthered Scarlatti's career and he worked in Rome for some time after that."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kennedy, M. and Courne, J. Domenica Scarlatti. Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music, 4th Edition, Oxford University Press. 1996. http://www.classicalarchives.com/bios/codm/scarlatti.html. Accessed May 18, 2008.
• Koster, J. Towards an optimal instrument: Domenico Scarlatti and the new wave of Iberian harpsichord making. Early Music. Vol. 35, Num. 4, November 2007, pp. 575-603.
• Wolfe, W. A Masterclass with John Williams at The University of Arizona. October 30, 2002. http://www.guitarramagazine.com/WilliamsMasterClass Accessed May 18, 2008.
• Cziffra, Scarlatti Sonata K96 in D Major - La Chasse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdN95IQ83d8 Accessed May 18, 2008.
• Fabio Bidini plays Domenica Scarlatti: Sonata K.96. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgI5bLNF5Q Accessed May 18, 2008.

More papers on "Sonata in D major K96":

• Essay # 17175 : "Mozart's "Sonata In F Major" ( K#322 )"
• Essay # 43198 : "Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D Major"
• Argumentative Essay # 3185 : "Salaries in the Major Leagues"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: