It was during my high school years at “P.A.,” known officially as the New York City High School of Performing Arts that I found myself drooling over Baroque era works—some had been previewed by classmate Murray Perahia during our orchestra periods. On one occasion he was called upon to play the figured bass of a Corelli Concerto Grosso. His mellifluous tone and touch at the keyboard drew my ears away from long bowed violin strokes. (I played two instruments at the time.)

The Baroque composer, Scarlatti drew closer when I watched NBC’s Recital Hall hosted by Ben Grauer. Recent graduates of the Juilliard School opened their hour long recitals with three or four delicious offerings. I was hooked! (John Browning, Abbott Lee Ruskin, Lee Luvisi were some of the Scarlatti lovers)

Mrs. Freundlich, in my earliest studies with her, led me to the James Friskin edition, 12 selections, Volume 1 of Domenico Scarlatti Sonatas. The opener is K. 159 in C Major.

I soon learned 4 more musical gems from this album.

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Sonata in G major K. 14, L. 387 (My tutorial engaged a recent revisit)

The next treasure from volume 1 is the D minor Sonata (often called a pastorale) K. 9, L. 413

As a finale to my immersion in Scarlatti via the Friskin edition, I was challenged by the A Major, K. 113 though in decades to come I would learn about 25 more of the composer’s sonatas extracting many of my choices from Vladimir Horowitz’s celebrated Scarlatti CD.

These additional gems from Volodya’s album became favorites: K. 54 in A minor, K. 1 in D minor, K. 27 in B minor, and K. 466 in F minor.

My Scarlatti journey, ignited my by late beloved piano teacher, Lillian F. has continued with new offerings in progress, nurtured along by my students who are enthusiastic learning partners.