recommended reading

[Judy Pinnolis <pinnolis...>]

Friends:
Did you every want to know what all the da di di di da and bam bam bam were
really all about in the nigunim of Lubavitcher Hasidim? Do you know how the
music reflects their philosophy of the two souls?

Let me recommend a book I'm currently reading. Even though I haven't quite
finished reading "Music in Lubavitcher Life" by Ellen Koskoff, I can tell
you it's something that it will fascinate a lot of people.

There are so many questions about Hasidism and their music that are answered
by this book. It's insightful and full of information presented in a very
clear and understandable (and readable) way. While the book is academic,
with plenty of research and bibliography, it's still quite easy to read. And
there are lots of specific musical examples and explanations. Ellen has done
original ethnographic fieldwork among the community as she's been interested
the music and working in the Chasidic community for over 25 years.

Many of you will be aware of the work of Ellen Koskoff from her many
articles.  In 2000, I heard her give a most interesting lecture at the
London conference about the role of women in music in the religious
communities.  This new book takes more of an overview discussing all sorts
of aspects of music in the Lubavitcher life.


Koskoff, Ellen, 1943-
  Music in Lubavitcher life / Ellen Koskoff.
  Urbana : University of Illinois Press, c2001.

Best wishes,
Judy

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