This work is a Romantic-era reimagining and expansion of Scarlatti's Baroque harpsichord aesthetics. It adapts the original's cross-hand techniques and rapid scale figures into a dense, virtuoso piano concert piece.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect fine finger independence within the hand.
The performer must maintain the clarity and lightness of the Baroque spirit while utilizing the power of a modern concert grand.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Concert Sonate after Domenico Scarlatti is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Concert Sonate after Domenico Scarlatti lasts about 7 minutes.
Concert Sonate after Domenico Scarlatti is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin, Rhapsody in Blue (Solo Piano) by George Gershwin, 'I Got Rhythm' Variations by George Gershwin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.