Classical Music | Cello Music

Recorded on 10/19/2004, uploaded on 01/27/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

From Jewish Life Prayer             Ernest Bloch  

The Swiss born composer Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was particularly drawn to the cello as the solo instrument that was arguably best suited to expressing the religious sentiments inherited from his Jewish background. In describing the source for his music, the composer said: 'It is neither my purpose nor my desire to attempt a reconstruction of Jewish music nor to base my works on more or less authentic melodies. I am not an archaeologist; for me the important thing is to write good and sincere music. What interests me is the Jewish soul, the enigmatic ardent turbulent soul that I feel vibrating throughout the Bible."  In essence Bloch's Jewish music is emotional in feeling and colored by an exotic atmosphere. The melodic lines are declamatory, emphasizing intervals of an augmented second, and are often supported by impressionistic harmonies. Such features are much in evidence in From Jewish Life - a collection of three short pieces composed for the cellist Hans Kindler. The mood in this cycle is generally contemplative and plaintive in character, with an overwhelming feeling of melancholy that is often enhanced in the cello part by the use of quarter tones.   Brant Taylor

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.