Ernest Bloch (1880-1959)

[kyjo]

For the string quartets 1-4, this set is mandatory:



It's in excellent mono. This has to be the most rigurous performance of the massive 1st SQ. I mean, the players' stamina must is tested from start to finish.

I mean, it's the only one available....As fine as that Griller recording is, this quartet (and nos. 2-5!) is long overdue for a modern recording by an accomplished current group.

[kyjo]

I just got done a "deep dive" into the music of Charles Ives, and what a rewarding experience it was! He went from someone whose music I was aware of, but not familiar with, to someone whose music and style I really appreciate and enjoy. I want to do a series of such explorations - and next up for me is Ernest Bloch. I know Schelomo, of course, but beyond that? I'm embarrassed to admit I've heard little else.

So, dear Blochians (Blochites? Blochheads? ), where do I start? I'd like to listen to some of his orchestral music, but anything is fair game.

These are my favorite non-Schelomo Bloch works:

Symphony in C-sharp minor: This magnificent late-romantic creation has absolutely nothing to envy from Mahler or Strauss, who it occasionally resembles. I mean, who could fail to be thrilled by that glorious apotheosis of an ending??

Concerto Grosso no. 1: A striking work for string orchestra and piano, filled with memorable themes and heartfelt lyricism.

Piano Quintet no. 1: One of the greatest piano quintets ever written, plain and simple. Bloch at his most searingly dramatic, darkest, and most intense. The redemptive ending is like reaching the light at the end of a long tunnel - very moving.

Evocations and Trois Poemes Juifs: I like to group these two tripartite symphonic suites together. They both show Bloch as a master of the orchestra, creating beguiling, mysterious, and even threatening "exotic" sonorites.

4 Episodes for Chamber Orchestra: Sheer inventiveness, wit, and color abound in these delicious miniatures.


I have several other favorites - Bloch was a composer of consistently high quality - but these are the ones that stand out to me at the moment and should give you a good idea of his range as a composer. Hope this was helpful!

[Symphonic Addict]

I mean, it's the only one available....As fine as that Griller recording is, this quartet (and nos. 2-5!) is long overdue for a modern recording by an accomplished current group.

There is this, but I prefer the sound and performance of the Decca disc. And yes, a modern recording of them all is more than urgent indeed.

[kyjo]

There is this, but I prefer the sound and performance of the Decca disc. And yes, a modern recording of them all is more than urgent indeed.

Ah yes, you're right - but I recall not being too impressed by the Portland SQ's playing.

[Symphonic Addict]

These are my favorite non-Schelomo Bloch works:

Symphony in C-sharp minor: This magnificent late-romantic creation has absolutely nothing to envy from Mahler or Strauss, who it occasionally resembles. I mean, who could fail to be thrilled by that glorious apotheosis of an ending??

Concerto Grosso no. 1: A striking work for string orchestra and piano, filled with memorable themes and heartfelt lyricism.

Piano Quintet no. 1: One of the greatest piano quintets ever written, plain and simple. Bloch at his most searingly dramatic, darkest, and most intense. The redemptive ending is like reaching the light at the end of a long tunnel - very moving.

Evocations and Trois Poemes Juifs: I like to group these two tripartite symphonic suites together. They both show Bloch as a master of the orchestra, creating beguiling, mysterious, and even threatening "exotic" sonorites.

4 Episodes for Chamber Orchestra: Sheer inventiveness, wit, and color abound in these delicious miniatures.


I have several other favorites - Bloch was a composer of consistently high quality - but these are the ones that stand out to me at the moment and should give you a good idea of his range as a composer. Hope this was helpful!

+1

Moreover, the tone poems Hiver - Printemps, Helvetia and Voice in the Wilderness, whilst not as popular as other pieces, have charm and a very pictorial atmosphere.

[kyjo]

+1

Moreover, the tone poems Hiver - Printemps, Helvetia and Voice in the Wilderness, whilst not as popular as other pieces, have charm and a very pictorial atmosphere.

I've yet to hear Helvetia or Voice in the Wilderness. The Printemps movements from Hiver - Printemps is sheer life-affirming beauty - it belongs with Sibelius' Spring Song and Foulds' April-England as one of the finest orchestral evocations of the season.

What are everyone's thoughts on Bloch's VC? I recall listening to the first movement and finding it rather long-winded and not up to par with Bloch's best works. But maybe I need to listen to it with fresh ears.

[Daverz]

What are everyone's thoughts on Bloch's VC? I recall listening to the first movement and finding it rather long-winded and not up to par with Bloch's best works. But maybe I need to listen to it with fresh ears.

I used to listen to it more.  It's not my favorite Bloch or a favorite violin concerto, but still worthwhile, I think.

[André]

I've yet to hear Helvetia or Voice in the Wilderness. The Printemps movements from Hiver - Printemps is sheer life-affirming beauty - it belongs with Sibelius' Spring Song and Foulds' April-England as one of the finest orchestral evocations of the season.

What are everyone's thoughts on Bloch's VC? I recall listening to the first movement and finding it rather long-winded and not up to par with Bloch's best works. But maybe I need to listen to it with fresh ears.

One of my favourite Bloch works. Along with the first 4 of your list, Kyle !

[classicalgeek]

For the string quartets 1-4, this set is mandatory:



It's in excellent mono. This has to be the most rigorous performance of the massive 1st SQ. I mean, the players' stamina must be tested from start to finish.

I've heard of the Griller Quartet's recording of these works. I'll definitely check it out!

These are my favorite non-Schelomo Bloch works:

Symphony in C-sharp minor: This magnificent late-romantic creation has absolutely nothing to envy from Mahler or Strauss, who it occasionally resembles. I mean, who could fail to be thrilled by that glorious apotheosis of an ending??

Concerto Grosso no. 1: A striking work for string orchestra and piano, filled with memorable themes and heartfelt lyricism.

Piano Quintet no. 1: One of the greatest piano quintets ever written, plain and simple. Bloch at his most searingly dramatic, darkest, and most intense. The redemptive ending is like reaching the light at the end of a long tunnel - very moving.

Evocations and Trois Poemes Juifs: I like to group these two tripartite symphonic suites together. They both show Bloch as a master of the orchestra, creating beguiling, mysterious, and even threatening "exotic" sonorites.

4 Episodes for Chamber Orchestra: Sheer inventiveness, wit, and color abound in these delicious miniatures.


I have several other favorites - Bloch was a composer of consistently high quality - but these are the ones that stand out to me at the moment and should give you a good idea of his range as a composer. Hope this was helpful!

I heard the Concerto Grosso no. 1 yesterday and quite enjoyed it. I get the sense Bloch was a master orchestrator in the orchestral works I heard (Sinfonia Breve, the Sacred Service), so I'm eager to check out more!

+1

Moreover, the tone poems Hiver - Printemps, Helvetia and Voice in the Wilderness, whilst not as popular as other pieces, have charm and a very pictorial atmosphere.

Ooh, more orchestral stuff! Hopefully I'll be able to find them on Spotify.

I used to listen to it more.  It's not my favorite Bloch or a favorite violin concerto, but still worthwhile, I think.

One of my favourite Bloch works. Along with the first 4 of your list, Kyle !

I'll put the Violin Concerto on my listening backlog as well!

Thank you so much for all the suggestions, everyone - looks like I have at least a couple of days of listening ahead of me. Looking forward to a "Bloch Party"!

[vandermolen]

These are my favorite non-Schelomo Bloch works:

Symphony in C-sharp minor: This magnificent late-romantic creation has absolutely nothing to envy from Mahler or Strauss, who it occasionally resembles. I mean, who could fail to be thrilled by that glorious apotheosis of an ending??

Concerto Grosso no. 1: A striking work for string orchestra and piano, filled with memorable themes and heartfelt lyricism.

Piano Quintet no. 1: One of the greatest piano quintets ever written, plain and simple. Bloch at his most searingly dramatic, darkest, and most intense. The redemptive ending is like reaching the light at the end of a long tunnel - very moving.

Evocations and Trois Poemes Juifs: I like to group these two tripartite symphonic suites together. They both show Bloch as a master of the orchestra, creating beguiling, mysterious, and even threatening "exotic" sonorites.

4 Episodes for Chamber Orchestra: Sheer inventiveness, wit, and color abound in these delicious miniatures.


I have several other favorites - Bloch was a composer of consistently high quality - but these are the ones that stand out to me at the moment and should give you a good idea of his range as a composer. Hope this was helpful!

+2

[vandermolen]

Just listened to the Sacred Service on the Chandos recording - just lovely! Vaughan Williams is a really apt comparison.

Well, thank you!

Glad you enjoyed it! Geoffrey Simon's underrated performance is my favourite.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Some likable recordings I'd like to mention.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Recently I've been listening to these recordings of Suite for Viola and Orchestra. I like the orientalism feel in the music.

[W.A. Mozart]

What do you think about the Concerto Grosso No. 1?

Irit Rob, piano and the Israel Chamber Orchestra conducted by Yoav Talmi

[Jo498]

a bit like a 20th century version of "Holberg suite". Quite pleasant but not really the most interesting one could do with neo-baroque.

[vandermolen]

a bit like a 20th century version of "Holberg suite". Quite pleasant but not really the most interesting one could do with neo-baroque.

I agree. I like most of Bloch's works, especially:

SQ No.1 - a true epic - I like the Portland version more than some others here

VC

Piano Quintet No.1

Voice in the Wilderness

Sacred Service (espec. Geoffrey Simon version)

Suite for Viola and Orch,

Trois Poems Juifs

Evocations

Symphony in C sharp minor (an epic)

Israel Symphony (Abravanel's famous old recording will be reissued on Alto soon)

Concerto Symphonique for Piano and Orch.

[kyjo]

What do you think about the Concerto Grosso No. 1?

Irit Rob, piano and the Israel Chamber Orchestra conducted by Yoav Talmi

It's a wonderful work with an immediately memorable declaratory opening, a solemn Dirge, a beautifully atmospheric Pastorale and Rustic Dances, and a vivacious final fugue. Now, my question is: what do you think about it?

[vandermolen]

New release:

[Jo498]

I don't know that much by Bloch, the piece I remember and like best is the first piano quintet, but I also liked all of the quartets in the Griller set (5th is missing, I have not heard that one). Not yet heard the violin concerto.

[relm1]

I also like his Concerto Symphonique.  It reminds me of Bernard Herrmann and Respighi.