Antonio Soler's daily routine as a monk was demanding; he often survived on only four hours of sleep, retiring at midnight or one and rising at four or five to say Mass.
Compositional Technique
Many of Antonio Soler's sonatas, like those of Domenico Scarlatti (an Italian Baroque composer), are single movements in binary form, though Soler also composed multi-movement sonatas.
Instruments
Many of Antonio Soler's sonatas were likely played on a 63-key harpsichord with a full five-octave compass, built by Diego Fernández for the Infante Don Gabriel in 1761.
Composer Biography
Antonio Soler, the composer, was baptized on December 3, 1729, in Olot, Spain, and entered the famous choir school at the Monastery of Montserrat at age six.
Composer Biography
In 1752, Antonio Soler became a monk at the Escorial monastery near Madrid, where he remained until his death in 1783.
Composition History
Many of Antonio Soler's instrumental works, including sonatas, were composed for the Infante Don Gabriel (son of Carlos III), whom Soler served as music master from the mid-1760s.
Composer Biography
Despite his monastic duties, Antonio Soler was expected to provide the Royal family with secular and instrumental music during their frequent visits to the Escorial.
