Contemporary Swiss Music – Ernest Bloch (MH 29/1975)

swissmusic

Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch was born in Geneva in 1880 and died in Portland, Oregon in 1959.

In 1916 Ernest Bloch emigrated to the United States, achieving instant recognition and winning numerous distinguished awards and honours. His work embraces practically all forms of classical composition. Some of his most outstanding creations were inspired by his Jewish faith.

Musical content

1. Ernest Bloch: Prelude. From Suite for Violin no. 1
Roberto Sawicky, violin
2. Lucienne Bloch Dimitroff speaks about her father composing “Helvetia”.
3. Ernest Bloch: Helvetia, Symphonic Fresco (excerpt)
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
4. Lucienne Bloch Dimitroff speaks about her father composing “Avodath Hakodesh”.
5. Ernest Bloch: Avodath Hakodesh, Sacred Service for Baritone, Mixed Choir and Orchestra (excerpt)
Kurt Widmer, Baritone; Chamber Choir of St. Gall; Municipal Orchestra of St. Gall; Werner Heim, conductor
6. Suzanne Bloch speaks about her father’s position in contemporary music.
7. Ernest Bloch: First Poem. From “Two Last Poems (Maybe…)” for Flute and Orchestra
André Pépin, flute; Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Pierre Colombo, conductor

Production information

Musica Helvetia MH 29. Contemporary Swiss Music. Ernest Bloch. Produced 1975 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.