Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies presents in partnership with Mandelbaum House, Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University

Yiddish song: histories and genres

Alex Weiser (YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, New York)

Abstract

This lecture will examine Yiddish language song through the intertwined history and repertoires of its folksongs, popular songs, and classical art songs. The talk will begin with a brief history of Yiddish ethnographic work and folksong collection by Marek, Ginsburg, An-ski, Engel and others. It will discuss how this work inspired and informed composers writing Jewish music, such as the composers affiliated with the Society for Jewish Folk Music and paved the way for future folklorists including Moyshe Beregovski (Moisei Beregovskii) and Ruth Rubin. The lecture will also discuss music associated with the Yiddish theater from its old-world birth with Goldfadn to its flourishing in New York City with the composers of 2nd Avenue. Finally, the session will touch on the work of composers outside of the Society for Jewish Folk Music, such as Lazar Weiner, and will culminate in a discussion of Yiddish song today in some of its many manifestations.

The talk will be chaired by Dr Joseph Toltz (University of Sydney Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences).

About the presenter

Alex Weiser is the Director of Public Programs at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research where he curates and produces programs combining a fascination with and curiosity for historical context, with an eye toward influential Jewish contributions to the culture of today and tomorrow. Born and raised in NYC, Weiser is also an active composer of contemporary classical music. Weiser’s debut album and all the days were purple, was named a 2020 Pulitzer Prize Finalist and cited as “a meditative and deeply spiritual work whose unexpected musical language is arresting and directly emotional.” Released by Cantaloupe Music in April 2019, the album includes songs in Yiddish and English.

For more information, contact: Vanina Vaisman-levy (vanina.vaismanlevy@sydney.edu.au)

–––

Social media

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Listen to talks on SoundCloud
Subscribe to our YouTube channel