Klezmer music, the traditional European Jewish folk music, is designed to replicate the sound of the human voice in all its emotions – wailing, crying and laughing. It has traditionally fallen to the violin to create this sound. Alongside the violin, klezmer music includes the clarinet, accordion, cymbals, trumpet, trombone and piano. Klezmer music is traditionally performed in Yiddish, and most song titles are Yiddish as well. The music is typically played for weddings and other festive occasions. Master musicians like Bogdan Djukic have brought this style of music back into popularity with their electrifying performances including the traditional melodies. You can hear recordings of Bogdan and his klezmer group playing the traditional music with their own unique style. Recordings are available on CD or through iTunes and mp3 download. With violin lessons from a master, you, too, can play this folk music with style.

The history of klezmer music is rich with cultural tradition. The klezmer music style dates back to the 15th century, when the Hasidic and Ashkenazic Jews developed a secular musical form. The term “klezmer” comes from the old Hebrew word (via Yiddish) for “musical instrument;” although it first referred specifically to a musical instrument, the term came to denote the musical style. Although secular in nature, the music draws on traditions dating from Biblical times. Klezmer is mainly intrumental, although the human voice is brought in for wedding songs, as well. The music was meant to facilitate dancing, and the tempo alters throughout a composition.

Where can I find klezmer music for teaching violin lessons? An internet search should help you to find sheet music in the klezmer style. Specialty music stores are also a good source, and you can find klezmer recordings in the world music section of your local media store.

Where can I find klezmer music recordings? You can find recording of klezmer style music on line and in music stores. The world-famous Canadian group, Beyond the Pale, frequently performs klezmer during concerts and for studio recordings. You will find plenty of stirring klezmer style music on the band’s albums.

Does anyone still perform klezmer music? Certainly, there are a number of world-famous musical ensembles who regularly perform klezmer. The popular Canadian ensemble Beyond the Pale often performs klezmer style music during their shows. The world-class violinist Bogdan Djukic performs to perfection in this traditional musical style.

What happened to European klezmer during the Holocaust? Like many things Jewish, klezmer was nearly obliterated during the Holocaust of the 1940′s. Fortunately, the music was not totally lost, and it has made an astonishing comback in recent years. You can hear klezmer music anywhere from professional recordings to your child’s violin lessons.