Unit 5: Klezmer Music with Dan

Genre Overview

Klezmer music is the folk music of the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. The Yiddish word “klezmer” originally meant “musician.” Klezmer music dates back to the 9th century and, although secular, is rooted in the music sung by cantors in synagogues (Jewish congregations), as well as other folk musics of Eastern Europe. Originally it was played with whatever instruments were available, but now is most closely associated with the fiddle, clarinet, and accordion. It was most often played at joyful celebrations, such as weddings, and is now played around the world.

Learn more!

Readings:

• The Book of Klezmer: The History, the Music, the Folklore by Yale Strom
• Klezmer! Jewish Music from Old World to Our World by Henry Sapoznik

Listening & Viewing:

• The Klezmatics, Wonder Wheel (Shout Factory!)
• Klezmer Local 42 (Dan’s band), Fear of a Yiddish Planet (Kanehora)
• Itzhak Perlman, In the Fiddler’s House (Angel)
• The Last Klezmer: Leopold Kozlowski, His Life and Music, directed by Yale Strom
• Klezmer! A BBC Documentary, produced and directed by Merryn Threadgould

Additional Teaching Resources:

• Klezmer Academy is an online resource for learning more about playing klezmer music, as well as sound files of historical recordings and links to further resources.