Re: defining klezmer

[Ari Davidow <ari...>]

>In modern times, according to rumor, Zev Feldman started using the phrase 
>"klezmer music" to describe Yiddish instrumental folk music. Well, you have 
>to call it something, and "Yiddish instrumental folk music" is a little long.

Zev was following Beregovski, who had already referred to it as 
"Jewish Klezmer Music," as you noted, in his transcriptions. It's not
clear that the music needed a label in earlier times--it was probably
just known as "Jewish music," and indeed, I believe that's what the
few older musicians with whom I have spoken on the subject called it.
To them, as you wrote, "klezmer musician" was a bottom-rung musician.

Feldman and Statman used "Jewish Klezmer Music" as the title for 
the first, and groundbreaking recording back in 1979 (year?), one 
that first made it clear to many of us that this was exciting, entrancing 
music. Now if only someone would make it legitimately back in print. 
(It may be the only klezmer album available by bootleg.)

ari


ari


Ari Davidow
ari (at) ivritype(dot)com
list owner, jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org
the klezmer shack: http://www.klezmershack.com/

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