SOLER`S CONCERT NO. 3 FOR TWO BOUND PIPE ORGANS

Abstract

This approach is dedicated to an expressive work belonging to, probably, the most important musician ofthe 18th century Spain. There were few composers who in this difficult period sought to preserve the local character ofSpanish music and to assert their creative personality following their own path. Among them shines Father AntonioSoler. In the particularly vast creation of the great composer, the six concerts for two bound pipe organs, together withthe quintets (also six in number) for four string instruments and organ, are masterpieces of chamber creation. Wenotice the tonal unity of the concert no. 3, with its two parts, both in G major – meant to highlight the expression of thedelightful melodiousness of the work, being the binder that highlights the beauty of this double instrumental concert.The first part, Andantino, has a bipartite form, with the two solo instruments engaged in a charming dialogue. It isremarkable and worth noting how Soler, who spent most of his life as a monk secluded within the walls of the Escorialmonastery, manages to frame the minuet form of the second part of this concert in the conventional style of dance,outlining at the same time the festive and graceful character of this part. The clarity and beauty of the musical language,combined with the balance of form and richness of the sound development, convince us that we are in front of anoriginal work, which at the same time illustrates the spirit of the era.