Antonio Soler became a monk at the Escorial, a famous monastery near Madrid built by Philip II, in 1752, and remained there until his death.
Composer Biography
Antonio Soler, the composer, entered the famous choir school at the Monastery of Montserrat at age six, where he studied organ and composition.
Instruments
Many of Antonio Soler's sonatas were probably originally played on a 63-key harpsichord with a compass from F to g''', built by Diego Fernández for the Infante Don Gabriel in 1761.
Composer Biography
Antonio Soler, the composer, often survived on only four hours of sleep most nights, retiring late and rising early to say Mass, according to an obituary written by a fellow monk.
Composition History
Many of Antonio Soler's sonatas show the influence of Domenico Scarlatti, with whom Soler is reputed to have studied composition between 1752 and 1757.
Composer Biography
Despite his wish for a quiet life, Antonio Soler's monastic duties included training the choir, providing choral music, and supplying the Royal family with secular and instrumental music during their visits to the Escorial.
Composition History
A large number of Antonio Soler's instrumental works, including many sonatas, were composed for the Infante Don Gabriel, son of Carlos III, whom Soler served as music master from the mid-1760s.
