Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ernest Bloch's violin sonatas with the 2005 release, "Bloch: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2 etc." on the Hyperion label. This album, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, showcases the brilliance of Bloch's compositional prowess, performed exquisitely by violinist Hagai Shaham and pianist Arnon Erez.
The album features two complete violin sonatas by Bloch, including the Violin Sonata No. 1, B. 42 with its three movements: "Agitato," "Molto quieto," and "Moderato," as well as the Violin Sonata No. 2, B. 58 "Poème mystique," which comprises four movements: "Andante moderato," "Animato," "L'istesso tempo," and another "Animato." Additionally, the album includes the enchanting "Mélodie, B. 51," the evocative "Nuit exotique, B. 57," and the profound "Abodah, B. 66."
Ernest Bloch, a Swiss-born American composer, is renowned for his expressive and deeply personal musical language, which is vividly brought to life in these performances. The album is a testament to Bloch's ability to blend modernist techniques with deeply emotional and spiritual themes, creating a rich and engaging listening experience.
Recorded in the UK and released in February 2005, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music, particularly those interested in the modern and expressive works of the 20th century. The collaboration between Shaham and Erez brings a dynamic and nuanced interpretation to Bloch's compositions, making this release a standout in the genre.