Travel Pick: Classical Music in Belgium
Andreas Staier, harpsichord

2007 marked the 250th anniversary of Domenico Scarlatti's death. With the exception of the odd programme on the festival circuit, very few concert venues in Europe or America offered the musical public the opportunity to hear some or all of the more than 500 keyboard sonatas composed by Domenico Scarlatti (1685 - 1757).

Some years ago the German pianist and harpsichordist Andreas Staier (b. 1955) made a considerable impression with his effervescent performances of Scarlatti. He remains a key figure in this repertoire today: hence his inclusion in this keyboard series devoted to Scarlatti. Staier juxtaposes the composer with his contemporary Bach.

J. S. Bach: Toccata, BWV 914, Choralpartita "O Gott, du frommer Gott", BWV 767, Capriccio sopra la lontananza del suo fratello dilettissimo, BWV 992, Toccata, BWV 912

Domenico Scarlatti: Sonata, K 394, Sonata, K 395, Sonata, K 518, Sonata, K 519, Sonata, K 141, Sonata, K 208, Sonata, K 209, Sonata, K 87, Sonata, K 460, Sonata, K 461