24/07/1880, Geneva, Switzerland – 15/07/1959, Portland, Oregon, USA
Swiss-born American composer. He is recognized as one of the greatest Swiss composers in history. Bloch's musical style does not fit easily into any of the usual categories. He studied variously with Jaques-Dalcroze, Iwan Knorr and Ludwig Thuille, as well as corresponding with Mahler and meeting Debussy. Many of his works - as can be seen from their Hebrew-inspired titles - also draw heavily on his Jewish heritage.