Ernest Bloch - Bloch: Music for Viola and Piano (LP)

Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of Ernest Bloch's "Music for Viola and Piano," a captivating collection of works that showcase the profound depth and versatility of the viola. Released on April 1, 2011, under the Music and Arts Programs of America label, this album spans a little over an hour and ten minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Bloch's compositional genius.

The album opens with the four-movement Suite for Viola and Piano, a piece that beautifully balances intensity and serenity. Following this, the five Sketches in Sepia paint a vivid, almost cinematic landscape, each sketch telling its own story. The Suite hébraïque adds a cultural and spiritual dimension to the collection, with its three movements drawing from Jewish musical traditions.

The album also includes the intimate and reflective In the Night, as well as the Suite for Viola and the two Pieces, both of which further demonstrate Bloch's mastery of the viola's expressive range. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of Ernest Bloch's unique musical voice.