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RE: Klezmorim knowledge

Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2001-01-12 23:33

Steve did a pretty good job of describing it. Klezmer is essentially folk music, like celtic, etc. Aside from the music itself being of something different than a non -standard scale or mode, the music tells a story and sets a mood. Especially on clarinet. Klezmer does things on clarinet which are by far non-classical in nature. These different terms - krekhtsn, bent notes, etc. are essentially ornaments. These rich and colorful ornaments, along with the klezmer scales and modes, allow the clarinet to laugh, moan, and cry - all at the same time. Part of what makes klezmer so enjoyable is the ability to combine these seemingly unrelated emotions. What becomes of that, is really something unique and special. Now why the specific attraction to clarinetists? Klezmer clarinet music is extremely expressive in nature, almost completely so. Aside from the ornaments and style of music being fun to play, it allows the clarinetist to connect at a deeper level with playing the clarinet. One could say that in a way, klezmer is a tool in which the clarinetist can express his or her emotions more clearly through their clarinet playing. Aside from listening pleasure, music often communicates thoughts and feelings. Some thoughts and feelings are harder to express than others. This also depends on the style of the music. In my opinion, the best music is that which triggers emotions, and clearly portrays the composer's and performer's thoughts and feelings. Sometime to better express one's self, it helps to think of things outside the usual, or the norm. I'm not saying that there is nothing to klezmer technically, but what tends to really reach out us as humans are the thoughts and emotions. I hope that I have not gotten too philosophical here, but these are my opinions, and some reasons why klezmer is important to me. -- Nate Zeien

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