Born in Olot (Catalonia), this Spanish composer received his
first musical education in Monserrat and later in 1752 he
became became a priest and joined the Jeronymite order at
the Escorial. He was choirmaster and organist at
this royal monastery in Madrid and studied alongside Domenico
Scarlatti. Scarlatti, a Spanish-Italian musician was at that
time the composer at the Spanish court. Soler even tutored
members of the royal court in music lessons.
He composed over 400 pieces of music, which blend influences
of both his mentor and Spanish folk music. He was very interested
in the history and the theory of music and most of his pieces
included theatrical and church music. A master of the harpsichord
and organ, he was even consulted with on the construction
of new organs.
