The harpsichord duo 'L'entretien des clavecins' consists of Agustín Álvarez and Eusebio Fernández-Villacañas, who are also founding members of the 'Asociación de Amigos del Clavecin de España'.
Composition History
These Concertos were composed for Don Gabriel de Borbón, the favorite son of King Carlos III, for whom Soler was the musical instructor.
Instruments
The harpsichords used in this recording were built by Andrea Restelli, copying historical instruments by Pascal Taskin (1769) and Pierre Donzelague (1711).
Composition History
Although titled 'Six Concertos for two organs,' there is evidence that Soler and his pupil Don Gabriel de Borbón played these works on two harpsichords.
Compositional Technique
The Six Concertos are structured in two movements, typically a slow movement followed by a minuet with variations, with the second concerto uniquely inserting an Allegro.
Composer Biography
Antonio Soler, the composer, was chapel master at the Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial from 1752 until his death in 1783.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The musical atmosphere of these works is described as gallant, refined, delicate, and carefree, with a sublime chastity and an unmistakable Spanish flavor, reminiscent of Goya's paintings.
You might also enjoy...
Couperin, F.: Pieces De Clavecin, Books 3 and 4 (Excerpts)
