Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer born on 26 October 1685 in Naples. He is best known for his 555 keyboard sonatas, pieces that have influenced many composers throughout history. Scarlatti’s music is classified primarily as Baroque, though it also contributed to the development of the Classical style. He spent a significant part of his career serving the Portuguese and Spanish royal families.

Scarlatti was the sixth of ten children in a musical family, studying under his father, Alessandro Scarlatti. He later worked in the Chapel Royal of Naples and composed operas for Queen Marie Casimire in Rome. His sonatas, written mainly for the harpsichord, exhibit a variety of styles and moods, reflecting his ability to blend different musical influences.

Scarlatti moved to Madrid in 1733, where he continued to compose until his death on 23 July 1757. His unique contributions to keyboard music remain celebrated, and he is regarded as a significant figure in the music world.