Andre Bloch

Full biography Andre Bloch

André Bloch was a French composer, born on April 24, 1873, in Wissembourg, Alsace, at that time part of Germany. He came from a Jewish family, with his father being a rabbi. Bloch began composing at a young age and studied at the Paris Conservatory with Gustave Guiraud and Jules Massenet.

Bloch was a versatile musician and composed music for a variety of instruments, including piano, cello, and clarinet. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1896 and went on to become a professor of music composition at the Paris Conservatory. He was also a member of the Société des Compositeurs de Musique (Society of Music Composers).

During World War II, Bloch was persecuted by the Nazi regime due to his Jewish heritage. He went into hiding and continued to compose music secretly. After the war, he resumed his teaching position at the Paris Conservatory and continued composing until his death on July 30, 1960, in Paris.

Bloch's music was influenced by French impressionism and his Jewish heritage. Some of his notable compositions include "Denneriana" for clarinet and piano, "Suite Palestinienne" for cello and orchestra, and "Chant Sacré" for choir. He also composed music for films and collaborated with other artists, such as the Swiss violinist André de Ribaupierre.

Overall, André Bloch was an accomplished French composer who made significant contributions to the world of music composition. Despite facing persecution during World War II due to his Jewish heritage, he continued to compose music and inspire future generations of composers.