Official level, taken from the exam syllabus.
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This D minor sonata projects a crisp, biting character, alternating percussive replies and filigree passages that call for rhythmic clarity and detached articulation rather than broad romantic rubato. You will face specific challenges in Analysis harmonique (3.6/5): you must perceive rapid harmonic shifts to adjust voice leading and distribute chords between the hands so the bass or inner motif is audible; and in Ornaments baroque (3.1/5): the embellishments require precise, even execution (trills, mordents) with flexible fingers and controlled duration to preserve the contrapuntal relief. Composed in the Baroque period, it belongs to Scarlatti's large set of keyboard sonatas and exemplifies his taste for contrast and formal concision.