The 555 short keyboard pieces that Domenico Scarlatti called "sonatas" remain the most appealing and purely enjoyable keyboard music of the Baroque era. The composer himself referred to them as "jesting with art," and insisted on their purpose as pure entertainment. It follows, therefore, that any selection should, in both the individual performances and their arrangement on the disc, engage the listener"s attention and even (heaven forbid) raise a smile now and then. Hantai"s performances certainly do that! The playing is absolutely sparkling, and his choices of both familiar and less well-known sonatas offer a number of pleasant surprises along the way. A delightful disc and an excellent introduction to this great composer. --David Hurwitz