Ernest Bloch: From Jewish Life – Cello Works

Violinist, pianist, conductor and composer, Ernest Bloch, first influenced by Strauss then by Debussy, had to live between two worlds: his native Europe, torn by wars and anti-Semitism, and the American mirage offering successes as glorious as they were short-lived. Out of a considerable catalogue, only Schelomo still enjoys constant fervour, whereas its equivalent, Voice in the Wilderness, written 20 years later, still remains little known. This masterpiece exists in two versions: a dialogue both musical and philosophical between piano and cello, and a rhapsody in which the piano gives way to a large orchestra. In the first recording since 1952, Voice in the Wilderness is again heard in its original version along with its vibrant summary, Visions and Prophecies.