By Michael Newman and Laura Oltman. For Guitar (Classic). duets. Christmas. Level: Intermediate. Book/CD Set. Size 8.5x11. 80 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

25 Christmas Favorites Arranged for Two Guitars in Standard Notation. Composed by Various. Arranged by Mark Phillips. Guitar Collection. Christmas, Duet. Softcover. Published by Hal Leonard

2 guitars

SKU: BO.B.3649

Composed by A. Soler/L. Palomo. Published by Editorial de Musica Boileau (BO.B.3649).

Padre Antonio Soler is the most important Spanish composer of keyboard instruments of the XVIII century. Born in Olot he was baptized in 1729 and died in El Escorial in 1787. As a young boy he entered the Escolania of Montserrat, where he studied composition and organ, coinciding at the same monastery with the also Spanish composer of that time, Fernando Sor. Padre Soler spent great part of his life in El Escorial as chapel master and organist and met in Madrid Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti with whom he developped a deep friendship inspired on mutual admiration.

In spite of the similar styles of both composers the fluid inspiration of Padre Soler excels for his own personality, definitely influenced by Spanish roots. Furthermore, I ask myself if the fact of being at the same monastery of Montserrat with guitarist composer Fernando Sor didn't play an important role in the future development of Padre Soler's style.

I have transcribed for two guitars these three sonatas in the hope that also the guitarists can enjoy playing these little jewels, truly musical delights, that Padre Antonio Soler left for us.