Re: Is it Jewish Music

[Alex Lubet <lubet001...>]

>In line of what people have been saying, is Dick Dale's recording of Hava
>Nagila Jewish music? Or is it just a funky recording of a tune that for many
>people they think of Jews and Israel?
>
We'd probably need to consult Nelson Goodman's Languages of Art or 
some commentary thereupon to come up with a definitive answer. 
According to my definition (and I've yet to see a better one here, 
although I've noticed that there are a few hand wringers who want to 
abandon all hope of definition), the composition Hava Nagila is 
certainly a work used by Jews to propogate Jewish community.  That 
may or may not apply to Dale's rendition.  I doubt it would apply to 
Dale as performer/arranger (although I'm a fan), but it might apply 
to its usage in certain (Jewish) contexts.

-- 
Alex Lubet, Ph. D.
Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music
Adjunct Professor of American and Jewish Studies
University of Minnesota
100 Ferguson Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612 624-7840 (o)
612 699-1097 (h)
612 624-8001  ATTN:  Alex Lubet (FAX)

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