Domenico Scarlatti's life can be clearly divided into two phases: until 1729, he served important ecclesiastical institutions and influential aristocrats, engaging in grand productions of both sacred and secular music. His activity as a harpsichordist (and also as a singer, for which he was highly appreciated) occupied what little time remained. After moving to Spain, Scarlatti found himself free from official duties, with his only obligation being to teach harpsichord to Crown Princess María Bárbara and Prince Fernando. This newfound freedom allowed him to explore the town and countryside, absorbing the local music, songs, and dances. It was perhaps during this time that the miraculous synthesis between his Italian training and the Iberian musical heritage occurred, giving birth to one of the most original and unique musical languages in history. The Sonatas are much more than mere "happy freaks," or flamboyant and eccentric pieces; they represent a complex universe in which all elements are combined in an amazing, ever-changing balance. Scarlatti not only absorbs the most profound characteristics of folk music-far beyond just rhythm and dance-but also re-invents his own language through them. In this, he would only be equaled, two centuries later, by Béla Bartók. --