In 1923 Bloch wrote these 10 short pieces for his daughters, Suzanne and Lucienne. They are neither didactic nor condescending. They are unpretentious and charming, and make pleasant listening. The subject matter is typical of pieces for the young, whether they are written by Tchaikovsky, Schumann or Bloch: Lullaby, Elves, Joyous March etc.

But even the most sophisticated listener would find it difficult to identify Bloch as the composer of these pieces. There is none of Bloch's Jewishness evidenced. There is none of his passion or prophesy.

Of course, the fact that these pieces were written by a father for his children might explain their inherent gentleness.

This is not the music of a patriarch but of a papa.

These pieces must have been effective since Suzanne Bloch would grow up to become one of the early champions of music from the time before Bach.

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