Re: Germans and Klezmer

[Leopold Friedman <apikoyros...>]

Lori,
I'm glad you can separate the music you 
play from the "Memories of the Fallen."
I would think that that particular kind 
of music would evoke exactly such memories,
however.

I don't think the technical virtuosity of 
your band's musicianship or the unique clarinet
or violin solos, whatever, are the reasons
why you're getting paid the big bucks (in 
Deutschmarks). Now, I know a lot of Jewish 
performers whom I respect do tour Germany 
and other relatively Judenrein parts of 
Europe. I can't begrudge someone parnosse, 
whether it's earned at simkhas or in the 
concert halls, but I think the specific 
ethnic character of the music we're talking 
about is essential to it, whereas Shostakovich 
or Prokofiev or even Bloch could be said just 
to be basing their music on Jewish themes.
I don't think that's controversial.

'Deracinated' klezmer is an oxymoron, however,
in my opinion. I would like to hear responses 
to the questions you raise about the German 
klezmorim as well as about the (only?) two 
categories you've chosen as alternative 
directions. 

Lee


------Original Message------
From: MaxwellSt (at) aol(dot)com
To: World music from a Jewish slant <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: February 29, 2000 3:29:53 PM GMT
Subject: Re: Germans and Klezmer


In a message dated 02/27/2000 5:19:25 AM Central Standard Time, 
horowitz (at) styria(dot)com writes:

<<  It's a big subject, and whether you want to accept it or not, the center 
for klezmer music in terms of practitioners on this planet is Germany.  >>

My band will have the pleasure of playing in Fuerth in a week (where we look 
forward to meeting Monika), and again in Kassel in August.  Germany has not 
only the interest in the music, but (with the help of their equiv. of the 
NEA) backs their interest with deutchmarks.  And, in our experience, the 
audiences and hosts treat the musicians with dignity and their artistic 
offerings with respect.  A concert in Germany is a highlight in our calendar.

Chevre, those who take music seriously and make music seriously have a 
special connection to one another.  It is one of the reasons that music draws 
in the talents of so many creative people.  It rises above politics and 
history, and its language is spiritual and healing.  Klezmer music is based 
on very spiritual Chassidic nigunim, but the Chassidim do not forbid me to 
play it just because I am not one of them.  They do not own the soul of the 
music, and (I am sorry, it is the nature of music), neither do the Jews.  

I would be happy if the discussion in this thread in a group (which claims to 
concern music) wended its way out of that emotionally-charged arena of How 
Committed to the Memories of the Fallen Are YOU and back into musical 
questions.  E.G.: How does the interpretation of klezmer music in German 
groups differ from that of Jewish groups, if this can be characterized?  Do 
they stick with the older European sound or are they going the way of Zorn 
and the Klezmatics?  

Respectfully to all,

Lori
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Chicago  


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