This energetic and rhythmic sonata is the last piece in the Level 4 Repertoire book here at CGC. It is rated for strong intermediate to advanced players.
Some of the challenges include a lot of finger independence with a continuous moving bass line and also some fast runs and trills for the right hand to tackle.
Domenico Scarlatti was born in the same year as J.S. Bach and George Handel so it always makes me reflect how separate the world was back then. Without cars, planes, or this magical internet, music developed into unique styles while still originating from western Europe.
Thank you for the supportive comments on YouTube for this performance, they have given me the confidence to continue with this series of un-edited performances.
Excellent Simon
It looked and sounded to my humble self as a professional musician at home enjoying his music and by doing so providing a good example of what music is about.
Thankyou Simon
Simon,
Outstanding performance of a great and difficult piece of music. I loved the energy you gave to the piece and the cross-string trills were fantastic. The only way I would have known that this was unedited, was that the camera angle didn’t change. To me, the music and performance were first rate. I love listening to unedited performances. I find them refreshing.
Dave Reynolds
Good performance of an undoubtedly difficult piece. Nice guitar btw
DITTO to Dave Reynolds comment., Bravo!
Prachtig !!!
Simon, it was the first time I shared one of your videos with my wife and we both truly enjoyed it. My wife said your left hand was like it had a life and mind of its own. Thank You for a very pleasant treat.
So very nice. Music can be such a time-machne; I can almost envision being in the period with this piece. Nicely done, as always.
Comes across to me as a very difficult piece to play, despite being slightly familiar and I think you’ve done an excellent job. In some ways an unedited version can often provide more inspiration for ‘the followers’ who do get to see and hear more of the mechanics of a difficult piece, especially from a players perspective. That mobile left hand speaks volumes for the overconfident or unwary.
Overall positive outcome. Please keep it up.
Regards
Bill Gifford
An unedited performance is how one would hear it live, so what’s not to like? Great performance, lovely piece of Scarlatti. I need to practise more!!
Bravo Maestro !
Thank you for including the 2 Scarlatti sonatas in level 4, I have long wanted to study them!
This was beautiful and inspirational. Also your guitar has a particularly nice tone.
Awesome!
Never heard you play before. Clean command of the instrument.
Am definitely becoming a full member this week when I get paid on Thursday
Thanks
LOved it!
Very nice piece Simon, and played well. Which is what I would expect from you Sir. I just started the certificate Level one course as an annual student on April 13th this year. I must admit I have spent a lot of time since becoming a member of CGCA just getting used to finding my way around the web site and reading and listening to what I am getting into at the different Levels and finding that I have played from memory, but no longer can play due to two years of not playing. I am starting again from the beginning and look forward to the challenge. I hope you continue to put out the raw works as it gives us something to shoot for. Thank You.
Dear Simon,
Lovely playing … nice colour changes, phrasing, melody singing beautifully. Fine job and a pleasure to hear! Thank you Simon!
Bonnie Stenstrom
Oh, bravo! As a mature beginner, this is so inspiring! Not only does it sound like perfection, it’s a delight to watch you play. There is a lovely grace to your left hand as it moves across the neck of the guitar. If I can achieve half your skill, I’ll be happy!
Beautiful piece beautifully played I am a beginner in classical guitar I play it every day I wonder if this piece avalable for easy guitar for beginers ? I would love to have it .
Hi Simon,
Excellent piece of music, excellent playing. You seemed quite calm, cool and collective and didn’t miss a beat – or rather – note. Appreciate your passion in this lively performance. Keep up the good work.
Hi Simon,
Beautiful playing and so precise, even in an unedited version. I really appreciate your honesty about the fears associated with recording, and the many, many hours you put into practice and the CGC site. Thanks for all the work you do and the support and encouragement you give to all us members.
I enjoyed watching you play this piece
We all look forward to playing like you in the near future! :)
Wow Simon…just terrific! Thank you for the unedited video…gives us all “permission” to just go for it without worrying about perfection…what a great example to set.
It is inspiring to see you play Simon. I have a very good teacher and I attend a lesson once a fortnight, but he very rarely plays a full piece. This is obviously due to the time constraints of a set lesson, so seeing and hearing your playing is great for me.
Thanks for such a great performance.
Eddie
That was a wonderful performance. I like the freshness of hearing you play ‘live’.
So much varied character.
Scarlatti is so different from JS Bach, or any Bach.
Your instrument carries such great sounds. Very lively. I’ll need to practice : )
Thanks so much
True of all my teachers, this performance fills me with a combination of ambition and despair: Yeah, I want to play that well! and, unnnnh… I’ll never do anything that well. Thanks for an inspiring performance.
Great performance Simon! It would be great ro see you in concert in Montréal!