Ernest Bloch

The Suite Hébraïque draws on traditional Jewish sources such as the sound of the shofar's call as Bloch explored his Judaic heritage. The first movement is forceful with barely repressed emotion. A march rhythm and a passionate theme from the viola characterize the second movement titled Processional. The finale Affirmation opens and closes with a full-throated theme over a dance-like lilting rhythm framing a sweet graceful central section. Includes parts for Viola and Violin.

Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was a Swiss-born Jewish composer. Schelomo: Rhapsodie Hébra que was the last and best known works of his Jewish Cycle in which he attempted to find some sort of musical identity - the Jewish state having not yet come into existence when he was writing. The solo Cello is intended to represent the voice of King Solomon while the orchestral accompaniment is often seen to express Solomon?s hidden thoughts. This edition has had the accompaniment transcribed for the Piano and includes a separate score for the Cello part.