World Music Exploration - Fandango by Antonio Soler

The first time I heard the music of Soler was at the Honens International Piano Competition. The sonata reminded me a bit of Domenico Scarlatti's music.Years later, I learned his Sonata in c# minor, which was a lot of fun:

This week, I'm introducing Padre Antonio Soler to my students.

This Spanish (more specifically, Catalan) priest and composer lived  from 1729 - 1783. He is best known for his 120 keyboard sonatas. Soler also composed chamber music, organ concerti and liturgical music.

My ears did not deceive me all those years ago. There is also a Scarlatti connection. Soler was a pupil of Scarlatti

.Here is the clip I'm sharing with my students. The harpsichordist is Mayako Sone from Japan:

The fandango is a Spanish dance. It's a spirited dance in triple meter, usually played on guitar and castanets. It can be sung as well.

If you're up for a challenge, you can get your sheet music for Fandango here:

look inside

Fandango Composed by Padre Antonio Soler (1729-1783). Edited by Samuel Rubio. Music Sales America. Classical. Book Only. Union Musical Ediciones #MUSUMP21604. Published by Union Musical Ediciones (HL.14030574).

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