Soler: Keyboard Sonatas

Featuring

Christopher Hinterhuber
Padre Antonio Soler

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Composer Biography

Antonio Soler (1729-1783) led a multifaceted life as a priest, monk, student, teacher, mathematician, inventor, organist, and composer, all in service of the Catholic Church.

Composition History

Despite a monastic 20-hour workday, Antonio Soler composed over 200 sonatas, six quintets, six concertos for two organs, nine masses, and many other works.

Compositional Technique

Antonio Soler's music incorporates elements from Spanish dance music, a generous number of ornaments, and a personal, natural melodic style.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Antonio Soler wrote a treatise, Llave de la Modulación Antiquedades y de la Música, in 1761, describing modulation techniques that are reflected in his keyboard sonatas.

Compositional Technique

Antonio Soler's keyboard sonatas often feature subtle and rapid modulations, a technique he outlined in his own treatise on modulation.

Historical Context

Antonio Soler lived during the transition period from the harpsichord to the fortepiano and had both instrument types available at El Escorial, influencing his compositions.

Critical Reception

Antonio Soler's compositions remained largely unknown for a long time because there were no music publishers in Spain during his era, leading to their rediscovery in recent decades.