Re: Meaning of "Klezmer"

[MaxwellSt <MaxwellSt...>]

Matt--

Respectfully, I remind you (and everyone) that I didn't make up these 
categories!  They were suggested by a previous writer (if you know who you 
are, identify yourself--I didn't keep hard copy of that thread). I have, 
however, found them quite useful in helping presenters to define what it is 
that they are looking for.  The nice thing about this division 
(Preservationist/Folklore/Heritage, Contemporary, and Entertainment) is that 
it stigmatizes no one and a presenter can easily respond "I think our 
audiences would prefer to listen to a more contemporary sound," or "they are 
real folkies and want it authentic as possible," or "they want to hear 
Yiddishe Mama and Bei Mir Bistu Sheyn."  Of course, for people at the level 
of sophistication of this mailing list it's hardly the final word.  But it 
wasn't intended to simplify or end the discussion.

Also, I think that the categories suggest another thought (the one with which 
the last thread from which it derived concerned itself):  Namely, does the 
performance group try to meet the expectations of the general audience (the 
one that wants to hear the old songs), or do they find that to be an obstacle 
to their creativity?  Hankus' great talent, in my opinion, has been in being 
able to entertain an audience (there's that pesky word again) without 
sacrificing any of his artistry.  

Look, even Coltrane was entertaining to the jazz aficionados of his day, but 
if you tried to book him as "an entertaining jazz musician" you would not be 
representing him to the general public in a way that would fulfill their 
expectations.  

Lori in Chicago
Genug shoyn, I'm going back to work....

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