Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service) (1933) — Ernest Bloch (Bernstein, New York Philharmonic)

I’ve been meaning to upload this piece of music ever since I started this channel. I’m super happy to spread the word of this masterpiece, “Avodath Hakodesh” (Sacred Service) for solo baritone (taking the role of the cantor), narrator (taking the role of the rabbi), SATB chorus, and orchestra. Truly this is one of the greatest pieces of music I’ve ever heard, and holds close to my Jewish heart. Very sadly, this piece is never really performed in concert halls anymore. I hope of any of my uploads this one can reach some popularity, as this piece is basically the pinnacle of Jewish music (at least to me) and it should REALLY spread more popularity. Here are the liner notes for the piece: “Though Ernest Bloch’s Avodath Hakodesh has served as the model for many composers aspiring to elevate the language and flow of a synagogue service to the realm of high art, it remains sui generis—not only because of its surpassing beauty, but equally as the first successful and most enduring exploration of t