Max Bruch (1838–1920) was a German Romantic composer best known for his richly lyrical style and deep sense of melody. Although he is often remembered for his instrumental works; Bruch also wrote a substantial body of vocal music. His songs and vocal scenes often draw on poetic or sacred texts and showcase a warm, expressive melodic line. Among his notable vocal works are his Ave Maria settings, Schön Ellen, Three Hebrew Songs, and numerous Lieder written across his career. He also composed large-scale choral and vocal-orchestral works, including the cantatas The Fiery Cross and Odysseus, which contain dramatic solo scenes that highlight his gift for combining vocal expressiveness with lush Romantic orchestration.