klezmer

klezmer
Name	Klezmer
Stylistic origins	Jewish liturgical music, Romani music, Greek music, Turkish music, Ukrainian music, Polish music, Romanian music
Cultural origins	Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe
Instruments	Violin, cimbalom, clarinet, accordion, trombone, trumpet, flute, double bass, drum kit
Fusiongenres	Jazz, punk rock, hip hop
Regional scenes	United States, Israel, Germany, Netherlands

klezmer. Klezmer is the instrumental folk music tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. The genre, whose name derives from the Hebrew words for "vessel of song," evolved over centuries, absorbing influences from the diverse musical landscapes of the Diaspora. Primarily performed at weddings and other celebrations, it is characterized by expressive, vocal-like melodies that mimic the nuances of Yiddish speech and prayer. Following waves of emigration, particularly to the United States, the tradition underwent significant transformation and, after a period of decline, experienced a major international revival in the late 20th century.

History and origins

The roots of the music lie in the liturgical traditions of the synagogue, including the melodic modes of cantorial singing. It developed in the shtetl communities across regions like the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Musicians, known as klezmorim, were highly influenced by the sounds of their neighbors, incorporating elements from Romani music, Greek music, Turkish music, and the folk styles of Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. The devastation of World War II and the Holocaust nearly eradicated the living tradition in Europe, while in America, the sounds were absorbed into Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and early jazz.

Musical characteristics

The music is defined by its expressive, ornamented melodies designed to imitate the human voice, specifically the cry of the hazzan and the cadences of the Yiddish language. It employs distinctive melodic modes, most famously the freygish scale, which parallels the Ahava Rabbah prayer mode. Rhythms are often lively and dance-oriented, including the bouncing bulgar and the dignified hora, though pieces can also be deeply lyrical and improvisational. The emotional range is vast, from unbridled joy to profound sorrow, reflecting the historical experience of the Ashkenazi Jews.

Instrumentation

The classic, pre-migration ensemble in Eastern Europe typically featured a lead violin, supported by a second violin, a cimbalom or tsimbl, and a double bass or cello. The clarinet, particularly the soprano clarinet, later became a dominant lead instrument, especially in American recordings. Brass instruments like the cornet, trumpet, and trombone were incorporated in the early 20th century. The modern revival ensemble often includes accordion, piano, drum kit, and sometimes saxophone or flute, blending traditional timbres with contemporary influences.

Repertoire and genres

The core repertoire consists of dance tunes for weddings and festivities, including the lively freylekhs, the line dance sher, the circle dance hora, and the bulgar, which became a signature style in America. Doinas are highly improvisational, rubato melodies, often showcasing a solo instrument, that convey deep emotion. Other forms include the processional march and the nigun, a wordless, devotional melody. The music also adapted local folk tunes from regions like Bessarabia and Transylvania.

Revival and modern developments

A major revival began in the 1970s, spearheaded in the United States by groups like the Klezmer Conservatory Band and the Klezmatics, who researched old 78 RPM recordings by artists such as Dave Tarras and Naftule Brandwein. This movement spread globally, with vibrant scenes developing in Israel, Germany, and the Netherlands. Contemporary artists actively fuse the tradition with jazz, punk rock, hip hop, and electronic music, while others pursue historically informed performance practice based on archival research.

Notable musicians and ensembles

Early iconic figures include clarinetist Naftule Brandwein and the more refined Dave Tarras, who defined the sound in America. Key revivalists and modern innovators encompass clarinetist Giora Feidman, violinist Alicia Svigals, and bandleaders like Frank London of the Klezmatics. Influential ensembles range from the revival pioneers Kapelye and the Klezmer Conservatory Band to contemporary groups such as Brave Old World, The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, and the Yiddish-punk band Golem. Composers like John Zorn have also incorporated its aesthetics into avant-garde projects.

Category:Jewish music Category:Folk music genres Category:American styles of music