[HANASHIR:4289] Re: Why our music is so "minor"

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Dear Susan,

Okay, here's my 2 cents on minor-keyed Jewish music.

So much of Ashkenazic Jewish music is in minor (and modal) keys because it
came out of Russia and the rest of Eastern Europe, where the folk music IS
in minor keys.  As to why that is, don't ask me.  There is more major-keyed
Jewish music in the Reform movement because it grew up in Germany and was
therefore influenced by baroque and classical composers (as well as
beer-hall ditties).

Sephardic music is more often in major keys.

Shavua tov,
Andy

At 06:15 PM 10/31/99 -0700, you wrote:
>I'm not trained in music theory so when a public school music teacher
>called me to ask me to explain to her why so much Jewish music is
>written in minor "modes" I couldn't answer her.  All I know is that I
>start lots of pieces with Am.  Can anyone fill me in so I can sound
>reasonably intelligent when I try to help out this wonderful woman who's
>teaching her students about our music?
>Susan Schanerman
>Phoenix
>
>
>
>
Andy Curry
6016 Holmes St
Kansas City MO 64110-3034
Home: (816)363-8381
Work: (816)545-7739

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