Bloch, André

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BLOCH, ANDRÉ

BLOCH, ANDRÉ (1873–1960), French composer. Born in Wissembourg, Alsace, Bloch studied with Guiraud and Massenet at the Paris Conservatory and received the Prix de Rome in 1895. After World War i he conducted the orchestra of the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau. In 1931–32 he composed the symphonic poems Béquinage, Kaa, and Les moissons de l'éternité with cello as principal instrument. His two operas, the one-act Brocéliande, and Guignol, were first performed, respectively, at the Opéra Garnier in 1925 and at the Opéra Comique in 1949. In 1948, following the creation of the State of Israel, he composed his most interesting piece, the Suite Palestinienne, with cello as principal instrument.

[Amnon Shiloah (2nd ed.)]