Bloch: America, Epic Rhapsody / Schwarz, Seattle Symphony

Bloch’s America may not be one of his greatest pieces, but then none of his “geographical works” (Israel, that Swiss thing) belongs in that category. Like the country itself, America the “musical” is big, ungainly, and lots of fun. It ends with an audience-participation sing-along, for those who are so inclined. This performance, originally released on Delos, is about as good as it gets, not that there’s much competition. Stokowski did it for Vanguard, and Naxos has another very good version featuring Dalia Atlas. Take your pick. If the couplings determine your choice, this release features an excellent version of the Concerto Grosso No. 1, one of Bloch’s best-known and most immediately attractive pieces

— David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com