About Klezmer

Klezmer is the Yiddish pronunciation of the Hebrew kley-zemer (musical instruments) which in the East European context came to refer to the musicians themselves.

Strictly defined, klezmer music is the traditional instrumental music of East European Jews, performed at weddings and other celebrations such as the dedication of a Torah scroll or a synagogue. Comprising dance tunes, as well as music for listening at the wedding ritual and banquet, it is one part of a rich totality of East Ashkenazic music that includes diverse liturgical and folksong traditions as well as - in more recent times - Yiddish theatre, art, and popular music.

Klezmer music was brought to this country some 25 years before the start of World War II.  After the war, Klezmer style fell out of favor with rapidly assimilating American Jews. It wasn't until the mid 1970's that young musicians began to rediscover the 78’s that were catalogued in Jewish archives in New York. From these records, people like Henry Sapoznik, Michael Alpert, and Hankus Netsky were able to transcribe many of the traditional songs that were brought by immigrants to their new land.

Because of its ability to lift the spirits of listeners, and to put people in touch with their traditional culture, Klezmer music's popularity has expanded to a whole new generation who appreciate it on many different levels. Many say that the music touches their soul. For others, it's just good dance music. For still others, it's the the folky, bluesy quality of the Klezmer tunes.

Click here for a great article, The Klezmer Craze, published in Reform Judaism, Spring 1996.

And here for a comprehensive national and international Klez directory: http://www.klezmershack.com/