Style

the Klezmer Gourmets specialise in authentic, traditional styles of performance, playing without amplification to achieve the most 'intimate' sound, although for larger-scale celebrations, the volume level can be boosted if required. the Klezmer Gourmets want to make your event go as smoothly as possible.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements further.

 

Klezmer - A brief history

This music began in biblical times and was used to accompany religious ceremonies in synagogues. During the middle ages, it began to be played in it's own right, both for for religious weddings and secular (non-religious) events. The music was performed by musicians known as Klezmorim.

The word Klezmer comes from 'Kle' meaning 'Instrument' and 'Zemer', meaning 'of Song'). Over time, it merged with other folk styles to become a prominent folk music style, performed throughout all areas of Eastern Europe.

However, towards the end of the 19th Century, political unrest in the region resulted in a watering-down of the art, with many of the Klezmer musicians moving away into other areas. By the end of the second world war, Klezmer music had almost completely died out.

It was not until the 1970s, that the music was re-discovered by a few intrepid ethnomusicologists. They made their 'discoveries' known to western musicians, which started a revival by some American performers.

There are now Klezmer music courses run all over the world and many people have experienced the delights of this wonderful music - from slow and melancholic tunes to fast-paced wild dances, with everything in-between; Klezmer has something for everyone.