Re[2]: why Jews became fiddlers

[richard_wolpoe <richard_wolpoe...>]

     And Zukcerman, too
     
     (how about Jack Benny??)
     
Yes, I am just kidding.

shono Tova
Rich. W.

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: RE: why Jews became fiddlers 
Author:  <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org> at Tcpgate
Date:    9/27/98 7:41 PM


It's interesting that Reyzl should raise this question.  As a second 
generation musician, this is a question I have thought about for a long time. 
When I was young, I started learning the guitar because I was always taken 
with folk singing at Jewish day camps.  However, in 8th grade, I was seriously 
considering learning the violin as well.  This did go over really big with my 
parents.  However, I ultimately decided against it.
     
Although it is not a cause, when you think of the great classical violinists - 
many are Jewish - Stern, Haifetz, Pearlman.  I think the "get up and go" 
aspect of the instrument contributes a lot.  However, my own personal theory 
is that the violin is infinitely microtonal, and therefore one of the most 
expressive of instruments.  Yes, I know that wind instruments can bend pitches 
too, and have the added plus of being breath-based, but I think that the 
violin is more expressive and ideosyncratic.  As to why violin vs. viola, 
cello, etc., it's the highest and therefore the most out-front.
     
My wife, who is a non-Jewish composer and pianist, has a different theory. 
When she hears my string writing, she just sighs and says "you Jews have 
strings in your genes."
     
Jeffrey Schanzer