Re: Klezmer status

[shirona <shirona...>]

I don't get it...  how did we get from a "half step above a thief " - to
revering musicians as demi-gods? ( you know, the "stars" - whether in Pop,
Classical, Opera, Jazz... you name it )    The skills remain the same.  We
all know the sensitivity, intelligence, TALENT and hard work it takes to be
a good musician.  Did gifted, intelligent people pursue a musical career
ALBEIT that terrible low-status back in the old country?

On second thought - in some ways it's still the same.  Would a Jewish mother
encourage her child to be musician?  "My son the docter... my daughter the
lawyer..." is more like it.  We know the reasons...  Reminds me of the
saying - "the more things change the more they remain the same".  Oh well,
maybe I answered my own question.

Shirona


----- Original Message -----
From: "Kame'a Media" <media (at) kamea(dot)com>
To: "World music from a Jewish slant" <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org>
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2000 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: Klezmer status


>
>
> shirona wrote:
>
> >   How were musicians regarded in the old country?
>
> Maybe a half step above a thief and a street-walker
> but lower than a shoemaker or a wheel-greaser.
> They, at least had the ability to earn a steady wage
> (however low) -- and did  not have to rely essentially
> on tips.
>
> Wolf
>
>
>
>

---------------------- jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org ---------------------+