[HANASHIR:7316] Re: Resource ?

[DAcker9854 <DAcker9854...>]

There are very few single resources that give the background/history of the 
typical songs that are taught in Jewish schools, synagogues, and camps.  I 
have found the following to be useful:

For Yiddish songs, the Mir Trogn a Gesang series has a useful blurb on each 
of the songs included.

For Israeli classics there are two volumes, both of which are excellent.  
However, you need to be able to read Hebrew well, since these are published 
in Israel for Israelis.  The first is Shiru Habitu Oru (itself a pun on a 
song title) which takes about 50 classic Israeli "Folk Songs" and gives 
extensive background information about the events in Israeli life at the time 
the song was written, as well as the personalities involved.  It actually is 
a great history of the State of Israel through music.  The second book is a 
two-volum set designed for music teachers in Israel, called Sefer Hashirim 
Latalmid.  It includes tons of songs, again with biographical information 
about the composer and lyricist, as well as the story behind many, but not 
all of the songs.  

I hope this is helpful to somebody!

David

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