Re: What is Klezmer ?

[Steven M. Singer <ssinger...>]

On Thu, 11 Sep 1997, Solidarity Foundation wrote:

> Ari's note yesterday that record stores usually classify klezmer under
> "Israeli" reminds me of a category I inadvertently omitted from my
> tentative classification of klezmer styles:
> 

Y'know, I haven't yet seen the "WORLD MUSIC" title attached to our
discussion.  With current trends, the association between Klezmer or
Klez-style recordings and "Jewish" music is fading.

I guess the problem is that KLEZMER (though it once had a locale) no
longer really exists as musical genre locked to a particular country or
region.  In this light, elements of KLEZ (style, themes, instrumentation)
that exist outside of the (Jewish) ethnic-mainstream are emerging more as
a way that "WORLD" music groups diversify their repertoire/sound.

Who knows, in another 15 years Klezmer favorites may emerge as popular
standards...

Just my 1.5 cents.

Steve