Soler Complete Keyboard Sonatas & Six Concertos for Two Organs

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Antonio Soler's keyboard sonatas with this comprehensive collection, meticulously performed by Pieter-Jan Belder. Spanning nearly five hours, this album is a testament to Soler's prolificacy and musical genius, featuring 117 tracks that showcase his brilliance and virtuosity. Soler, who spent most of his life in the monastery of El Escorial near Madrid, composed an astonishing 471 sonatas for the keyboard, and this collection offers a significant selection of these charming, tuneful works.

The album begins with the iconic "Fandango," a piece that exemplifies Soler's ability to blend Spanish folk influences with classical structure. Following this, the collection delves into a variety of sonatas, each offering a unique blend of melody, rhythm, and harmony. The sonatas are performed with exceptional musical insight and virtuosity, reflecting Belder's renowned expertise in interpreting Baroque and Classical keyboard music.

In addition to the keyboard sonatas, this album also includes a bonus feature: six concertos for two organs, performed by the renowned organists Maurizio Croci and Pieter van Dijk. These concertos, written for the Infante son of King Charles III, are a true highlight of the collection, showcasing Soler's innovative approach to composition and his mastery of the organ.

The album benefits from the use of different instruments, including the fortepiano, providing a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate beautiful, well-crafted compositions, this collection of Antonio Soler's keyboard sonatas and concertos is sure to delight and inspire.

6 maart 2015

2014 Brilliant Classics

2015 Brilliant Classics

About Antonio Soler

Antonio Soler, born Antonio Francisco Javier José Soler Ramos, was a prolific Spanish composer whose music bridges the late Baroque and early Classical periods. Known affectionately as Padre Antonio Soler, he was a man of the cloth and a maestro of the keyboard, leaving behind an impressive catalog of over 400 works. Soler's most celebrated compositions are his keyboard sonatas, which are essential to the harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ repertoires. His innovative approach to harmony and form makes his sonatas stand out, reflecting his studies with the renowned Domenico Scarlatti. Beyond his keyboard works, Soler's output includes concertos, masses, and a notable treatise on musical theory that explores the use of microtones. His influence extends to his role as a teacher to the royal family, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in Spanish music history.