Narratives in music: Schelmo, Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra

Abstract

Born in July 1880, in Geneva, Switzerland, Ernest Bloch became one of the leading composers of the 20th century. He wrote series of works, which he called “The Jewish Cycle.” They represented a new, distinctive musical language, in which Bloch combined eastern and western music traits. Schelomo, Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra (1915-16) was the last composition from the cycle. It showed mastery of a style Bloch had been developing since his earlier compositions. This project will show Schelomo’s place in “The Jewish Cycle” and its importance on Bloch’s departure from the popular trends of the early 20th century. It will discuss Jewish music culture characteristics as they relate to the piece’s strong narrative power and Bloch’s own musical language in retelling the story of King Solomon. The project is going to be organized as follows: Chapter 1 will provide information about Ernest Bloch’s biography and works. Chapter 2 will discuss Bloch’s influences as they relate to his compositions. Chapter 3 will introduce the common stylistic features of the compositions from “The Jewish Cycle.” Chapter 4 will discuss the musical language Bloch used in Schelomo, in retelling the story of King Solomon.