Boris Brovtsyn, Diana Ketler - Bloch: Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2 "Poème mystique", Baal Shem & Violin Suite No. 1 (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Violin Sonata No. 2, B. 58 Poème mystique
02. Baal Shem, B. 47: I. Vidui. Un poco lento
03. Baal Shem, B. 47: II. Nigun. Adagio non troppo
04. Baal Shem, B. 47: III. Simchas Torah. Allegro giocoso
05. Violin Suite No. 1, B. 99: I. Prelude
06. Violin Suite No. 1, B. 99: II. Andante tranquillo
07. Violin Suite No. 1, B. 99: III. Allegro - Andante
08. Violin Suite No. 1, B. 99: IV. Allegro energico
09. Violin Sonata No. 1, B. 42: I. Agitato
10. Violin Sonata No. 1, B. 42: II. Molto quieto
11. Violin Sonata No. 1, B. 42: III. Moderato

The full range of Ernest Bloch’s music for violin and piano can be heard on this album, which journeys from his fiery early works to one of his last compositions. Both violin sonatas explore personal themes. The First, in its barbarism, alludes to the First World War, while the Second, subtitled Poème mystique, was inspired by a dream and is suffused with lyrical episodes from Gregorian chant. The melancholy and ecstasy evoked in Baal Shem derive from Hebrew music, including pre-existing synagogal melodies. The economy of the neo-Baroque Suite No. 1 for Solo Violin reveals a more reserved but no less inventive side of Bloch’s violin writing.