Klezmer music is a form of Jewish folk music that originated in Eastern European Jewish communities in the 15th century. It is characterized by its lively, expressive melodies, the use of traditional instruments such as the violin, clarinet, and accordion, and its ability to evoke both joy and melancholy. In this episode, Walter Zev Feldman, the Artistic Director of The Klezmer Institute, talks about his life, background, and his work spearheading the revival of Klezmer music.
00:36- About Walter Zev Feldman
Walter Zev Feldman is credited with spearheading the revival of Klezmer music in the 1970s, bringing to life this relatively unknown form of traditional Jewish music.
He is not only a Klezmer musician and dancer, but also an academic who has written many books and articles on a variety of subjects, including music, poetry, mysticism, and dance.
He is now exploring the role of gesture in the performing arts and its relationship to klezmer.
His book, Music of the Ottoman Court: Makam, Composition, and the Early Ottoman Instrumental Repertoire (Berlin, 1996) are taught as a basic text worldwide.