Re: Identity in Klezmer

[Haddi <Hadass.Klausner...>]

> Yoel Epstein wrote:
> 
> > As for the second question, I would like to ask it differently:  why
> > is the Klezmer revival happening in America and not in other places
> > where there are large numbers of Jews?  Israel, for example?

In Israel Klezmer music was never popular. In a country which was 
established by secular people, Klezmer music represented the 
Chassidim (for the secular people the religious orthodox Jews) from 
Eastern Europe - something the Chalutsim in Israel did not like. And 
this remained. 
Another reason can be found in Israel's location, and cultural 
mixture. You can see the difference in music in different regions, 
e.g. North African music is different than North European music, but 
within the countries in North Africa the music is similar. The the 
music in Israel will be closer to Mediteranian and oriental music 
than that of Eastern Europe.

> Eliot wrote:
>
> My Question is why is the Klezmer revival so strong in europe-especially
> in Germany?

Jewish music and culture is at the moment "in" in middle European 
Countries. It is not only in Germany, but also in Austria. Jewish 
music seems to be "exotic". As a result for this trend, also the 
Jewish communities, congregations and univ. departments boom. I think 
a part of it is that in the past few months documentary films about 
Israel and Judaism were often shown on German and Austrian TV 
stations, as well as fiction films. Also some Klezmer festivals (like 
in Poland a couple of years ago) and workshops added to the booming 
of Jewish culture in Europe.

Haddi