Album Notes

ERNEST BLOCH (1880-1959), an American composer of Swiss origin, visited and worked in the United States beginning in 1916 before finally securing his American citizenship in 1924. His initial "real" employment came as the first director of the Cleveland Institute of Music (1920-1925). Curiously, Bloch soon became disenchanted with his position there and subsequently resigned. He then promptly accepted a similar post at the San Francisco Conservatory (1925-1930) but that appointment, as well, rapidly atrophied.

Apparenlt disgruntled by his experiences with American academia, Bloch decided to leave the States. After a lengthy stay during most of the 1930s in his native Switzerland, he opted to return state-side in 1941. Thereafter, Ernest Bloch established permanent residency in the Portland, Oregon area where he quietly settled until his death in 1959.

By reputation a "Jewish" composer, the works of Ernest Bloch are freely structured yet firmly rest upon a musically traditional Hebraic foundation. Without a doubt, this two-sonata venture into the powerfully seething music of Ernest Bloch is for those of "sound" mind and body. Enjoy the spectacular fireworks put forth in these two compositions fantastically presented here by Messrs. Vincent P. Skowronski, violin and Dana Brown, pianist. NOTE: The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Mr. Bloch's birth, and we duly mention and observe this fact.