Bloch, << blok, >> Ernest (1880-1959), was a prominent Swiss American composer of orchestral, chamber, and vocal music. He became well known for music that reflected his Jewish heritage. His compositions are noted for their emphasis on melody, harmonies that are usually tonal but often not traditional, and the influence of philosophical ideas and poetry.
Among Bloch’s works are several composed between 1912 and 1916 that are often called the “Jewish cycle.” They include Three Jewish Poems (1913) for orchestra; the Israel Symphony (1916) for five singers and orchestra; and Schelomo (1916), a rhapsody for cello and orchestra. Bloch adapted Sacred Service (1934) for baritone, chorus, and orchestra from the Saturday morning Jewish worship service. In addition, Bloch wrote chamber works, pieces for piano and for organ, and the opera Macbeth (1910).
Bloch was born on July 24, 1880, in Geneva, Switzerland. He came to the United States in 1916 and became a U.S. citizen in 1924. Bloch served as director of the Cleveland Institute of Music from 1920 to 1925 and directed the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from 1925 to 1930. He also taught at the University of California from 1940 to 1952. He died on July 15, 1959. Bloch’s students included the American composers Douglas Moore and Roger Sessions.
