(adv.) Khevrisa's new album in stock!

[a bisl yidishkayt <klezmer...>]

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A bisl yidishkayt is pleased to have in stock, ready to ship, the long-anticipated album by Khevrisa, "European Klezmer Music."  

Another gift to the Jewish music-loving world has been bestowed in the form of this latest album of historical klezmer. The aim is to play Eastern European Jewish music of 18th- to mid 19th- century kapelyes (groups).  As the scholarly notes by Zev Feldman relate, these were predominantly stringed instruments - a lead violin and tsimbl (hammered dulcimer) with accompanying (sekund) fiddle(s), cello and bass.   The repertoire consisted of dance pieces (freylekhs, hosidls, etc. familiar to many general audiences today) but also "display pieces," played at the weddings of well-off Jews or at certain Hasidic weddings. Not that the listening pieces are so different-sounding than dance pieces - they may be, for example, a hora executed in a slower tempo, using more rubato; or closely related to shers.  15 of the 20 selections are "display pieces," the rest dance tunes.

10 of the pieces have never been recorded, though several may be familiar.  For example, the example of a Dobriden was also recorded by Budowitz on "Mameloshn" (as "Gut Morgn"); it is interesting to compare the tempi of the pieces, Josh Horowitz' and Zev Feldman's tsimbl styles, and even Greenman's fiddling (he is the fiddler on both albums).

Feldman's notes geographically and temporally trace the dominance of tsimbl and fidl, gradually leading into dominance of the fidl in the 19th century, followed by the clarinet (although there is now a fiddle revival!).  It places this (European) and subsequent (American, primarily dance market) music in historical and musical context - in other words, you'll understand why this album often sounds so different from what European klezmorim transplanted to the goldine medine played only a few years into the 20th century - both from an instrumental and historical perspective. The history and source of each piece is given - some were learned from living or recently departed European klezmorim, some from still-extant folios. The sources are cited in the bibliography, which along with a glossary of is invaluable both to the novice and serious student of klezmer music.

Several pieces stand out to this reviewer:
Di Shvartse Khasene (The Black Wedding), a haunting melody in which the dead parent(s) of the bridal couple are invited to the celebration.
An expressive Zogekhts  based on the cantorial improvised type composed by a kapelye leader from Bessarabia. (which demonstrates why musicians should practice their scales and arpeggios)

A Terksher Gebet  in which differential (Turkish) tuning of the violin's A string to creates an octave and a very different sound.

The klezmorim that form Khevrisa are outstanding: Steven Greenman on fiddle, Zev Feldman on tsimbl, Alicia Svigls (Klezmatics) and Michael Alpert (Brave Old World) on sekund fiddles, Stuart Brotman  (Brave Old World) on bass.  Each of these fine musicians is a serious student and scholar of klezmer music and most have been around since the klezmer revival started - correction, most of them started it!

We think this is a wonderful gift whether your giftee is a lover of klezmer music or only classical music.  Why?  Because of a serendipitous occurrence. The recording was overheard by two non-Jewish people not familiar with klezmer or Jewish music.  Both spontaneously remarked how beautiful it was.  It made us think that the music was accessible to them because it resembles chamber music - very string oriented, relatively subdued, meant for listening (vs. dancing).  Regardless, it is simply a well-made album.  



Price: $14.99 + shipping (see end for ordering information).
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Related historical albums:

Klezmer Music: Early Yiddish Instrumental Music, 1908-1927. 1997, $15
Martin Schwartz' collection contains a good helping of European klezmorim including two flute pieces, a Ziganoff accordion solo, fiddler H. Steiner, Jake Hoffman on xylophone, and Max Leibowitz, Brandwein, and Abe Schwartz.

Oytsres/Treasures: 1908-1996, 2000, $18
Joel Rubin's newest collection, also with many European pieces, including 4 good examples of fiddle and cello styles (including H. Steiner and Jacob Gegna), 4 European-born clarinetists, some orchestral theater pieces (early to mid-20th century) and a good representation of clarinetist styles.

Yikhes (Lineage): Early Klezmer Recordings 1911-39, 1995, $18
Many Naftule Brandwein, some not found elsewhere, as well as the European Belf's Rumanian Orchestra; Yikhes...a doyne by Leon Ahl...a Kolomeyke by Raderman's & Beckerman's Orchestra...a rendition of Yoshe Fort Avek by Yenkovitz & Goldberg...and Josef Solinsi, Max Leibowitz...

Klezmer Music: 1910-42 (cassette only, $11) 
Early compilation by Henry Sapoznik with his liner notes about the history of the music, how it was recorded, the bands, major musicians, notes and scales Good essays about the various instruments by Zev Feldman and Andy Statman.



Related historical modern albums:

Budowitz : Mother Tongue: Music of the 19th Centruy Klezmorim. 1997, $15
A gem of historical klezmer music from Josh Horowitz on tsimbl, button accordion, Greenman on fidl, Walt Mahovlich on clarinet, Lothar Lasser on accordion, and Geza Penzes on cello and bass.  Well-researched and well-done with notes both scholarly and humorous; a little more freylekh-y.

Bessarabian Symphony ..... Joel Rubin and Josh Horowitz, 1994, $18
Josh Horowitz' ethnomusicologist research shows that a hundred years ago, klezmer performance emphasized expression over technique as did cantorial music in its use of ornaments and flexible meter.  Virtuosic accordian and tsimbl by Horowitz; impressive clarinet technique by Joel Rubin.

Fidl, 1997, $16
Alicia Svigls' lovely work of traditional klezmer music including two of her own compositions in traditional style. She is accompanied by a small galaxy of stars including: Josh Horowitz on tsimbl, Matt Darriau on kaval (flute), Lauren Brody and Lorin Sklamberg on accordions, and not to be missed on percussion, Elaine Hoffman Watts.

Chicago Klezmer Ensemble, Sweet Home Bukovina, 1998, $17
Clarinetist/tsimbalist Kurt (Brave Old World) Bjorling's other group, more traditional klezmer features himself and the fine playing of violinist Deborah Strauss. Includes a Doyna, Mazltov, Yismekh V'malkhuskho, and 8 other pieces.

Beregovski's Khasene: Forgotten Instrumental Treasures from the Ukraine. $18
Clarinetist Joel Rubin considers this to be his best album. The offerings take you from the beginning to end of a wedding. Tsu der Khupe Geyn, Baveynen di Kale (Bringing the Bride to tears); Makonovetski's Gas Nign; Russian Sher; Taksim (Improvisation; Sakhnovksi's Dobranotsh [a good night piece]; Tish Nigunim, etc. until Zayt Gezunt (Farewell). Much never-recorded repertoire.

Di Naye Kapelye [self-titled], 1998, $16.50. 
Led by ethnomusicologist Bob Cohen, Budapest-based group of Hungarian and American musicians who play klezmer in a traditional fashion; album very well-received.


--------------------------Three ways to order--------------------------


1.  Order on-line with your VISA or Mastercard:   http://www.yiddishmusic.com

2.  Call or fax our toll-free number -  1-877-YIDDISH.  
(In area codes 781 or 617 please call 781-643-1957)

3.  Send check or money order  (in U.S. funds) to:
a bisl yidishkayt
P.O. Box 400331
Cambridge, MA  02140-0004

A)  Shipping costs for U.S. addresses are as follows (elsewhere please inquire). Please note, cost is to each address specified.  For example, sending two gifts of CDs to two addresses costs $5.

CD: $2.50 
cs.: $1.99
2 CDs: $4, 3-4 CDs $4.50 (sent priority mail)
2 cassettes:  $2.50
3-6 cassettes: $5
for other quantities, please call us -  1-877-YIDDISH

B)  If you live in Massachusetts, please add 5% to the cost of your order before shipping.  

C)  GIFT WRAPPING IS AVAILABLE!  And we can mail to your giftee.
Cost is $1.50 per item