Bloch: Concerto symphonique, Scherzo fantasque & Hiver-Printemps

Ernest Bloch's captivating album, Bloch: Concerto symphonique, Scherzo fantasque & Hiver-Printemps, is a masterful collection of orchestral works that showcase the composer's unique blend of styles. Released on June 1, 2003, by the renowned Chandos label, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights.

The album features Bloch's Concerto symphonique in B Minor, a work of immense beauty and complexity, comprising three movements: Pesante, Allegro vivace, and Allegro deciso. Each movement is a testament to Bloch's skill as a composer, with intricate melodies and harmonies that evoke a range of emotions.

In addition to the concerto, the album includes the Scherzo fantasque, a lively and imaginative piece that showcases Bloch's ability to craft music that is both playful and profound. The Hiver-Printemps, a two-movement work, completes the album, with its contrasting depictions of winter and spring providing a striking conclusion to the collection.

With a duration of one hour and two minutes, this album is a substantial and satisfying listen, offering a wealth of musical riches to discover. Ernest Bloch's music is a true delight, and this album is an excellent introduction to his work.

Ernest Bloch, a Swiss-born American composer, stands as one of the most original and influential musicians of the 20th century. Born in Geneva in 1880, Bloch's music is renowned for its deep reflection of Jewish cultural and liturgical themes, seamlessly blending these elements with European post-Romantic traditions. His compositions, which include a rich array of orchestral, vocal, and chamber works, are celebrated for their grandeur and majesty, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous honors throughout his lifetime. Bloch's unique voice and profound imagination have solidified his status as one of the greatest Swiss composers in history, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. In addition to his composing career, Bloch was a distinguished academic, culminating his teaching career as Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley.