Short Takes: Klezmer!

Arlene Blackman Yolles ♦ October 28, 2014 ♦ 1 Comment

Note: With this post, I am adding a new category under which this is filed, called “Short Takes,” which will be brief pieces about one topic, often something I enjoyed, attended or visited.

Last night, we went to a Klezmer concert at Fairfield University.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with the music, Klezmer is the Jewish music often played at weddings and Bar Mitzvahs (more so when I was growing up) that had its origins in traditional eastern European tunes, like the classic and very well-known “Rumania”.  Songs are usually sung in Yiddish and often tell stories; one from last night was about a young boy selling bagels on the street.

This concert was part of Daniel Pearl World Music Days, an international network of concerts that use the power of music to encourage worldwide fellowship and understanding.  It was created in response to the 2002 kidnapping and brutal murder by Pakistani extremists of Wall Street journalist Daniel Pearl.

To watch the band perform: http://youtu.be/kD0rtH9FmeY

The band, “Golem”, was spirited and lively, especially the main vocalist who danced and cavorted on stage with much energy.  The audience, enjoying this free concert, clapped in rhythm, swayed with the tunes and listened to songs they might have heard growing up.

Thank you, Golem, for providing me with a concert with a purpose.  As I listened to the Yiddish words and rhythms, I was brought back to my youth where such music was part of my culture.  A true simcha (a joyous happening)!