Two records full of Jewish themes and traditions. I’m sure I bought it because of Bloch’s Schelomo and From Jewish life. That last one presents us with an intimate musical look into the life of Jews in the 20s in America.
Swiss born American composer Ernest Bloch was born in 1880 in a family that moved to the US in 1916. Bloch felt early on he could best express himself when it concerned subjects related to his Jewish background. Many of his most impressive works are indeed intimate views into this closed world.
As impressive as these works are, I’m not impressed by Ophélie Gaillard. Somehow her performance on this album just doesn’t get me. For these personal works a personal touch is needed, and I think she is not reaching that. A missed chance.