Roberto Gerhard's Piano Trio in a flat minor, sometimes referred to as Piano Trio No.1, was composed in 1918 and published in 1921. It was dedicated to his composition teacher, Filippe Pedrell. It is from his early period, combining French Impressionism with Spanish folk influences. It is in three movements: A somewhat reflective and melancholy Modéré, which seamlessly combines the style of late French Impressionism with Spanish folk melodies and rhythms. The middle movement, Trés calme, is dreamy and flows along like a slow river. The finale movement, Vif, with its pizzicato opening, recalls Ravel, whose influence can be heard throughout.
Roberto Gerhard (1896-1970) was born in the Catalan town of Valls. His father was a Swiss German and his mother was an Alsatian. He studied piano with Enrique Granados and composition with Filippe Pedrell, who had taught Albeniz, Granados, and de Falla. Gerhard's early music reflects their influence. In 1923, he made an abrupt change of direction and traveled to Vienna and studied with Arnold Schoenberg for five years.
This piano trio is an important work as it is an example of the ideas of traditional Spanish composers in the first decades of the 20th century.
