"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Among the immigrants who came to America in search of a better life were Jewish musicians from Eastern Europe. Known as klezmorim in their hometowns, these musicians eked out a living by providing music for rituals, ceremonies, dancing, and celebrations. But on these shores, the chance for survival of their centuries-old tradition seemed grim.
The forces of assimilation led many musicians to work in classical, jazz, and pop, turning their backs on the music of their childhood. Others blended the Yiddish stylings and sounds with more contemporary music to form a new distinctly American music. Still others lay down their instruments and forgot the traditions they had cherished at home. And no one seemed to care, least of all the klezmorim's children and grandchildren, who, becoming more Americanized by the moment, adopted the music of their adopted country.
In 1976, ethnomusicology student Henry Sapoznik, the son of a cantor and Holocaust survivors, was hot on the trail of American old-time music, playing banjo tunes from Appalachia. While visiting a well-known traditional fiddler in North Carolina, Sapoznik was rendered speechless when asked, "Don't your people got none of your own music?" He decided to find out.
In his quest to trace the roots of klezmer, the traditional instrumental music of Yiddish-speaking Jews, Sapoznik unearthed antique 78s, sheet music, and newspaper clippings; found rare discs of long-forgotten radio programs; and, most important of all, rediscovered and championed the last generation of old-time klezmer musicians, bringing their musical styles to a new audience.
Klezmer! is a fascinating story of survival against all odds, of a musical legacy so potent it can still be heard, despite assimilation and near annihilation. The scratchy, distant sound of early recordings bursts forth with such power that they have formed the basis for an entirely new generation of performers, Jew and non-Jew alike, who have embraced and expanded the klezmer tradition. Through stories, pictures, and a companion CD, Klezmer! reintroduces this most vital musical form to new and old fans alike.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 4.30
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0825673240
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0825673240
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0825673240
Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 0.95. Seller Inventory # Q-0825673240
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0825673240
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. New. book. Seller Inventory # D7S9-1-M-0825673240-6