Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

December 3, 1729 in Olot, Gerona, Spain

Death

:

December 20, 1783 in El Escorial, Spain

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Antonio Soler was a Spanish composer and organist who lived from 1729 to 1783. He was born in Olot, Catalonia, and was the son of a military bandmaster. Soler showed an early aptitude for music and began his musical education at the age of six. He studied with the organist and composer Benito Esteve and later with the composer and theorist Francisco Valls. In 1744, Soler entered the choir school of the Monastery of Montserrat, where he studied with the composer and organist Francisco Javier García Fajer. He was ordained as a priest in 1752 and became the organist at the Monastery of Montserrat. In 1757, he was appointed as the organist at the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, where he remained for the rest of his life. Soler was a prolific composer, and his works include sonatas, concertos, masses, and other sacred music. He is best known for his keyboard music, particularly his harpsichord sonatas. He wrote over 200 sonatas for harpsichord, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of the genre. Soler's harpsichord sonatas are characterized by their virtuosity and their use of Spanish rhythms and melodies. They are also notable for their use of unusual harmonies and modulations. Soler's music was influenced by the Italian style of his time, particularly the music of Domenico Scarlatti, but he also incorporated elements of Spanish folk music into his compositions. Soler's keyboard music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered to be one of the greatest keyboard composers of his time. His music was widely performed and admired throughout Europe, and he was particularly popular in France. In addition to his keyboard music, Soler also composed a number of sacred works, including masses, motets, and hymns. His sacred music is notable for its use of polyphony and its expressive harmonies. Soler's music fell out of favor after his death, and it was not until the 20th century that his music began to be rediscovered and appreciated. Today, his harpsichord sonatas are considered to be among the finest examples of the genre, and his music is performed and recorded by musicians around the world. In conclusion, Antonio Soler was a highly accomplished composer and organist who made significant contributions to the development of classical music. His keyboard music, particularly his harpsichord sonatas, are considered to be some of the finest examples of the genre, and his music continues to be admired and performed today.

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