Concerto Grosso No. 1 was the first of two concerti grossi by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch (1880-1959), who wrote the piece in response to his students' assertion that such traditional styles were no longer musically relevant. The piece generally follows Baroque structure while adding more modern and personal elements, including harmonies reminiscent of the Romantic era and a Swiss folk melody in the third movement, "Pastorale and Rustic Dances," that nods to Bloch's Jewish heritage. premiered in Cleveland, Ohio on May 29, 1925. Instrumentation: String Orchestra (8-8-5-5-5 in set) and Piano Obbligato. Movements: 1. Prelude; 2. Dirge; 3. Pastorale and Rustic Dances; 4. Fugue. Reprint edition. (23:00)
