A Visit to Ernest Bloch’s Agate Beach Home
Ernest Bloch’s Oregon home in Agate Beach was open for the public yesterday, as well as a music program later in his former living room. We had a quick tour of the home, which was built originally for the famous Asahel Bush family of Salem. (Bush park, the Bush house can be seen on Mission Street, one of the exits off the I-5 freeway.0
This entire week in Newport is a celebration of the Ernest Block, the composer who also was a photographer, agate and mushroom hunter. This year is a celebration of his work all over the world, in honor of his death 50 years ago this Wednesday. Today’s Oregonian newspaper has a large feature article on him, with photos and listings of his popular works and upcoming events. At this site you can click and get the wonderful brochure we picked up while there.
Portland’s Classical station KQAC (89.9 FM) will be broadcasting Bloch’s music during evening hours through Saturday. www.allclassical.org
Here is a picture I took of the main house. It had an outdoor fireplace and one inside. To the left (not in photo)was the large garage and work room up above. Now the upstairs is a large dorm room for church groups.
One of the views the family could enjoy from their property. Bloch would walk down to the beach and hunt for agates. This spot inspired many compositions.
Dear Julie,
I am a Tucson Symphony Orchestra violist, and I am presenting a recital on March 3rd that will
include Ernest Bloch’s Suite for Viola (1919), and the Rapsodie from his 1951 Suite Hebraique, which was composed in Agate Beach. Would you allow me to use the beach photo above on the cover of my printed recital program? My husband and I spent our honeymoon on the Oregon coast (Jan. 1996), and until recently, I did not know Bloch lived there, though I have performed his music since I was a high school student!
This photo is unbelievably beautiful.