Ernest Bloch, born in Switzerland, spent most of his life in the USA, becoming a US citizen in 1924.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bloch's musical output is divided into two main categories: absolute music and works inspired by his Jewish heritage.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bloch stated that his 'Jewish' works were not based on authentic melodies but on an inner voice inspired by reading the Bible, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, and Prophets.
Composition History
The 'Three Sketches from Jewish Life' were dedicated to Hans Kindler, a Dutch-born American cellist and conductor, who premiered Bloch's 'Schelomo'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bloch's compositions combine contrasting styles such as Impressionism, Expressionism, neo-Baroque, and neo-Classical.
Compositional Technique
Bloch's three Suites for solo cello, like those by other composers, were modeled after the solo cello suites of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Compositional Technique
In his 'Three Sketches from Jewish Life', Bloch uses quarter-tones to intensify the melancholic expression.
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Cellologue
Bloch: Cello Suites, Meditations
Bloch: Cello Suites & Meditations
Bentzon, N.V.: Variations On 'The Volga Boatmen', Op. 354 / Cello Sonata No. 3, Op. 268
Passages: French Cello Works
Tecchler's Cello: From Cambridge to Rome
Russian Cello Sonatas: Yuri Levitin, Vladimir Komarov, Sergei Prokofiev
Division of Memory
Kurtág, Kodály & Veress: Sonatas for Cello and Piano
