Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757) wrote 555 solo keyboard sonatas throughout his career. Circulated irregularly in his lifetime, these are now recognized as a significant contribution which pushed the musical and technical standards of keyboard music. The works were probably most often performed in Scarlatti's time on the harpsichord, yet the Spanish royal court at which Scarlatti wrote them also possessed early versions of the piano (see fortepiano), which had been invented by Cristofori during Scarlatti's own lifetime. Modern performers may choose between the harpsichord, the fortepiano, or indeed the modern piano.
For discussion of the musical form and characteristics of the sonatas, see Domenico Scarlatti.
