Klezmer!: Jewish Music from Old World to Our World - Softcover

Sapoznik, Henry

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13 ratings by Goodreads

9780825673245: Klezmer!: Jewish Music from Old World to Our World

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0825673240 ISBN 13: 9780825673245

Publisher: Schirmer Trade Books, 2006

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In his quest to trace the roots of klezmer, the traditional instrumental music of Yiddish-speaking Jews, author Henry Sapoznik tells a fascinating story of survival against all odds, of a musical legacy so potent it can still be heard. This expanded second edition also includes a CD of klezmer music from Dave Tarras, Andy Statman, Naftule Brandwein, The Klezmatics, and others.

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From the Author:

"Klezmer! Jewish Music From Old World to Our World" has been issued as companion CD by Yazoo Records (7017). The 22 tracks offer a chronological overview (1912-1997) which documents the diversity, audacity and enthusiasm which was Yiddish popular culture at its height, its decline and its current revitalization. Amazon ASIN:B0004NHA1

From the Inside Flap:

"Somewhere behind Marc Chagall's flying fiddlers exists the true image of the klezmer. In contrast to Chagall's delicately muted colors are the simple monochromes popularly associated with Eastern European Jewish musicians, unschooled players whose 'soul music' moved listeners from laughter to tears, Wandering Jews of the Wandering Jews."

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.

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