Scarlatti: A Classical Guitar Arrangement of Sonata K. 141
- Alex Park
- May 22
- 2 min read
Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata K. 141 has long captivated listeners with its relentless energy, intricate hand crossings, and fiery character. Originally written for harpsichord, this piece is a whirlwind of repeated notes and rhythmic drive—equal parts virtuosic and dance-like. As a classical guitarist with a love for keyboard music, I’ve always felt drawn to the challenge and charm of this work.
A Solo Arrangement Born in Isolation
In March 2020, as the world came to a standstill, I found myself searching for creative purpose amid the uncertainty. That’s when I began arranging this piece—something that had always been on my mind but never found its moment until everything else paused.
I've always been fascinated by the textures and colors of keyboard music, especially the unique articulation of harpsichord and piano. While arrangements of Scarlatti’s sonatas for two guitars already existed, the pandemic meant that ensemble playing wasn’t an option. So, I set out to reimagine Sonata K. 141 as a solo guitar arrangement—something intimate, yet full of rhythmic bite and layered clarity to echo the original’s spirit.
To my surprise and joy, this solo version has resonated with others as well. It’s been performed by exceptional guitarists like TY Zhang and Justin Chen—artists I deeply respect. I even had the surreal opportunity to see TY perform it live in one of his recitals. Justin, meanwhile, recorded the piece for Guitar Salon International, giving the arrangement a beautifully polished and far-reaching platform.
What began as a quiet project during isolation has grown into something collaborative, communal, and deeply rewarding. Watching this arrangement take on a life of its own has been one of the most meaningful parts of my musical journey.
If you'd like to try it yourself, the PDF of the arrangement is available to download for free. I hope it brings you as much joy to play as it brought me to create.
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