Roberto Gerhard: La noche de San Juan

Featuring

Miguel Baselga
Roberto Gerhard

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Composition History

The ballet was never premiered due to the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent exile of its creators, including composer Roberto Gerhard, set designer Joan Junyer, and poet Ventura Gassol.

Recording & Production

The piano score used for this recording was a working document by Gerhard, lacking dynamics and articulations, which were completed by pianist Miguel Baselga.

Compositional Technique

Gerhard's "La noche de San Juan" draws inspiration from Stravinsky's interest in primitive rituals, Bartók's transformation of folk materials, and Falla's structural elements, such as the final sardana.

Composition History

Roberto Gerhard's ballet, originally titled "La noche de San Juan" (St John's Eve), was later rechristened "Soirées de Barcelone" (Barcelona Nights) to give it greater international appeal.

Performer Biography

Miguel Baselga, the pianist on this recording, is an acclaimed Spanish pianist known for his extensive discography, including the complete piano works of Manuel de Falla and Isaac Albéniz.

Recording & Production

This album is the world premiere recording of the piano version of Roberto Gerhard's ballet "La noche de San Juan" (St John's Eve).

Composer's Artistic Vision

Roberto Gerhard, a pupil of Arnold Schoenberg, was deeply influenced by folk song, which he incorporated into his music either directly, transformed, or stylized.