What Makes Jewish/Yiddish Music Jewish?
Through a discussion of the three primary elements of music — melody, rhythm and harmony — we will explore both the universal Jewish elements in Yiddish music as well as those unique to Eastern European Jewish culture. This is a session for those of you who always wondered why certain melodies for prayers just don’t sound right or always feel at a loss when trying to learn a new tune for shul. We’ll discuss traditional nusakh (prayer modes) and learn the melodic secrets of the Jewish calendar, and explore the ways in which, musically speaking, klezmer music and jazz are not only not related, but fundamentally incompatible.
