Scarlatti, D: Keyboard Sonata K53 in D major

Approximately 40 years have passed since Ralph Kirkpatrick published his epic study of the life and works of Domenico Scarlatti. This wonderful book, the product of the author's unique combination of artistic and scholarly talents, helped to dispel once and for all the superficial impression of Domenico Scarlatti as a sort of rococo lightweight, a composer of "original and happy freaks" as one of his 18th century contemporaries described him. Today, several decades into our international love affair with 18th century performance practice, Domenico Scarlatti is a towering figure universally accepted as one of the greatest and most original artists of the Baroque.

The son of Alessandro Scarlatti, who created a new school of opera in Naples, Domenico Scarlatti is particularly distinguished for his remarkable series of 555 surviving keyboard sonatas, written while employed at the Spanish court in Madrid largely as exercises for his pupil the Infanta Maria Barbara, who became Queen of Spain in 1746.

This significant addition to early 18th century keyboard repertoire has in all its variety long provided a valuable repertoire for pianists.

Colleen Lee was a Finalist in the 2005 International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition.