Roberto Gerhard was a Catalan composer who made significant contributions to the field of music in the 20th century. Born on September 25, 1896, in Valls, Spain, Gerhard became a pupil of the eminent composer, Arnold Schoenberg, after initially studying in Barcelona. Under Schoenberg's guidance, he honed his skills in the serialist techniques which would greatly influence his compositional style. During the Spanish Civil War, Gerhard's Republican sympathies forced him into exile, and he settled in Cambridge, England, where he would spend the majority of his life.

Gerhard's body of work bridges the gap between his Spanish roots and his acquired Viennese serialism. His compositions are known for their vibrant rhythms and incorporation of Spanish folk elements, as is evident in works such as "Orchestral Folksongs" and the ballet "La noche de San Juan." While he was respected among his contemporaries and music scholars, mainstream recognition eluded him for much of his career. Nevertheless, his contribution to music continued to grow posthumously, with notable pieces including "Symphony No. 4, 'New York' & Pandora Suite," and his intricate chamber music such as "Complete String Quartets & Chaconne." Roberto Gerhard’s works are a testament to his innovative approach to composition during a pivotal musical era, blending modernist technique with his cultural heritage. He passed away on January 5, 1970, leaving behind a nuanced and original repertoire that continues to be studied and enjoyed today.

Genres

Serialism

Spanish Classical

Related Artists

Igor Stravinsky

Arnold Schoenberg

Manuel de Falla

Erik Satie

Anton Webern

Olivier Messiaen

Alban Berg

Sergei Prokofiev

Alexander Scriabin

Ottorino Respighi

Darius Milhaud

Francis Poulenc

Latest Release

Gerhard: Don Quixote, Alegrías & Pedrelliana

Roberto Gerhard•

BBC Philharmonic

Album - 25 Tracks - Released August 2, 2024