Gustav Mahler, born in 1860 in Bohemia, and Ernest Bloch, born in 1880 in Switzerland, were both composers of Jewish descent. Schelomo is a single-movement rhapsody featuring cello solo and orchestra. Focusing on the historical figure of King Solomon, the music celebrates Hebrew sentiments and the noble Jewish spirit. Mahler suffered discrimination because of his Jewish heritage, but his music has little direct connection with Judaism. His Symphony No.1 heralds a composer with a unique and personal musical language: the entire symphony seems already filled with the distinguishing character of Mahler’s music to come.