Description

ROBERT S. BLOCH (CHICAGO, 1934 – DAVIS, CALIFORNIA, NOVEMBER 4, 2023)

 

 

 

 

Robert Samson Bloch was an American violinist, violist, chamber musician, and distinguished music educator whose career encompassed orchestral performance, solo appearances, contemporary music, and historically informed performance practice. Born in Chicago, he became known for his versatility and intellectual curiosity, performing repertoire ranging from early music to contemporary compositions.

Bloch studied at the University of Chicago, where he earned a master’s degree, and at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, where he received the Premier prix avec distinction. His professional career included engagements with several major American orchestras. He performed with the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and served as principal second violinist of the Minnesota Orchestra. He also performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, participating in international tours to Germany, England, and the former Soviet Union.

Alongside his orchestral work, Bloch pursued an active career as a soloist and chamber musician, appearing throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. He was particularly interested in contemporary music and experimental performance, participating in the New Music Ensemble at the University of California, Davis, during the 1960s. His commitment to chamber music led to the formation of the Robert Bloch Quartet, which performed regularly at UC Davis and supported the development of young composers through readings of their works.

Bloch also developed a strong interest in Baroque violin and historical performance practice. During his time at Cornell University, he explored early music repertoire and collaborated extensively with harpsichordist Louis Bagger, with whom he performed at Carnegie Hall. His musical activities also took him to Australia, where he served as a visiting faculty member at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

From 1974 to 2000, Bloch was a member of the music faculty at the University of California, Davis, where he taught violin, music theory, and chamber music, gave concerts, and conducted the university’s symphony orchestra. His teaching combined practical musicianship with a broad understanding of musical styles and traditions.

Among his distinctions were First Prize in the Young Artists Contest of the Society of American Musicians, the Kranichsteiner Musikpreis, and an Alfred Hertz Memorial Fellowship. His recordings appeared on the Pathé-Marconi, Musical Heritage, Monitor, and Redwood Records labels.

Robert S. Bloch died on November 4, 2023, at the age of 89, in Davis, California. Remembered for his artistic vision, modesty, wit, and wide-ranging musical interests, he left a lasting legacy as a performer, teacher, and advocate of both early and contemporary music.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

Leoš Janáček, Franz Schubert, Robert Bloch, Lois Brandwynne – Janáček & Schubert for violin & piano: Sonata / Fantasie

Label: Redwood Records – RRES-3

Format: Vinyl, LP

Country: US

Released: 1969

Genre: Classical

A1 Sonata by Leoš Janáček: Con Moto

A2 Sonata by Leoš Janáček: Ballada

A3 Sonata by Leoš Janáček: Allegretto & Adagio

B1 Fantasia by Franz Schubert: Andante

B2 Fantasia by Franz Schubert: Allegretto

B3 Fantasia by Franz Schubert: Andantino

B4 Fantasia by Franz Schubert: Allegro Vivace

Piano – Lois Brandwynne

Recorded By – Rudi De Grood

Violin – Robert Bloch