Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) was a Sevillian pianist and composer who contributed to promote the national character of 20th century Spanish music.

In 1905 he moved to Paris, where he took compositions lessons from Vincent d’Indy. Although he absorbed elements of the French style, it was in Paris that he was inspired by Isaac Albéniz to write distinctively Spanish music.

Composed in 1933, Turina’s Trio No. 2, Op. 76 for piano, violin, and cello exemplifies this synthesis. Premiered by the Dutch Trio at the University of Groningen on November 17, 1933, the work is rich with Spanish flavor and complex textures. The second movement stands out with its lively scherzo built on a zortzico rhythm—a traditional Basque-Navarran dance in a 5/8 time signature, showcasing Turina’s mastery of weaving folk influences into classical forms.

This trio clearly shows Turina’s talent for blending different musical traditions, creating a piece that is both expressive and elegant.