Antonio Soler (1729-1783), often known as Padre Soler, was a Spanish monk, organist and composer. Born in Catalonia, he spent much of his life at the royal monastery of El Escorial.

His works include keyboard sonatas, concertos for two organs, sacred music and theoretical writings. His keyboard music stands beside Scarlatti’s in the eighteenth-century Iberian tradition.

Soler’s style is lively, clear and rhythmically alert, often combining Spanish colour with Classical balance. His sonatas and organ concertos show a sharp ear for texture and dialogue.

Though long known mainly to specialists, Soler’s music has steadily found more performers. It has the bright precision of sunlight crossing polished stone.