Composer of the Month 7/2009: Ernest Bloch   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Israel 7.2.1995 Ernest Bloch was born in Geneva on July 24th 1880. He studied in Brussels with Eugene Ysaÿe and at the Hoch's conservatory in Frankfurt. In 1916 he settled down in the United States. Bloch's early works, such as his opera "Macbeth", were influenced by late romanticism as well as impressionism. The mature works often are inspired by the Jewish liturgy and folk music. Ernest Bloch died on July 15th in Portland, Oregon. 2009 is the 50th anniversary of his death. The video shows violinist Ari Levitan and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by J.F. Lobo playing the 3rd movement "Affirmation" from Bloch's "Suite hébraique". More composer portraits can be found in the members only section.