Ernest Bloch

Israel Symphony for Orchestra

This symphony, from Bloch's 'Jewish Period' evokes two Jewish traditional celebrations, 'Yom Kippur' (Day of Atonement) and 'Succoth' (Celebration of Harvest). It does this not by using traditional Jewish melodies or musical features; but explores Judaism spiritually. Bloch himself provided notes for the New York Philarmonic 1943 performance of the symphony:

'Though a single unit, the symphony falls into three sections. A slow introduction, Adagio molto ('Prayer in the Desert') is immediately followed by the Allegro agitato ('Yom Kippur'), with a main theme of bold, barbaric character...A short transition leads into the second part, Moderato ('Succoth') which, after a fierce climax, brings in the voice...This second part of the work is more contemplative, serene, a kind of prayer. '

This is the Schirmer edition of the full score.