Re: sephardic etc

[Carol Freeman <tsipra...>]

Hi!

 A note for Judith but perhaps of interest to others following this
topic...

Judith R. Cohen wrote:

> Hi, thanks, Carol, for your accurate comments on vocal style. I
> certainly was not suggesting for a single instant that Sephardic (or as
> you say "Yiddish but let me not get started" or for that matter
> medieval-but-let-me-not-get-started!!) songs should be sung "in an
> operatic or airy voice with Westernized scales"!!! Perish the thought!!!

Judith - Never fear - of course I knew you and I have similar views on the
use of Western vocal styling for Sephardic music. (That's why I said that I
was making a point for those on the list who knew nothing about urban music
in the Balkans - my comments directed at those folks who have not done work
there - not at you.)

> few women still sing in maqam,
> unfortunately.
> Take care, Judith

Judith says she is finding fewer singers who still sing in makam. I have
had the same disappointing experience working with Yiddish singers just in
the past few years (previously, most of the singers I learned from sang in
specific microtonal scales.) Easy access to profesionally recorded folk
music has clearly taken its toll. The good news is, I did hear one
relatively young singer who still sings in makam just last week.
Best!   Carol



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