klezmer
instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe
Klezmer bursts with lively energy, a vibrant tapestry of sound that intertwines joyful clarinets, spirited violins, and rhythmic accordion. It’s music that evokes the raucous celebrations of life—weddings, festivals, and gatherings—each note infused with an emotional depth that dances between exuberance and melancholy. You can almost hear the laughter and sighs in every flourish, capturing the rich history of a culture marked by resilience and joy.
Originating in Eastern Europe, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews in the late 19th century, klezmer emerged as a response to both the joyous occasions and hardships of everyday life. The genre draws from folk traditions, improvisation, and classical influences, all while serving as a soundtrack for communal rituals. Pioneering artists like the clarinetist Benny Goodman helped bring klezmer to broader audiences in the early 20th century, while later figures such as the Klezmatics revitalized it during the '80s with a fresh twist, connecting it to contemporary issues and sounds.
To dive into klezmer, start with “A Touch of Klez” by The Klezmatics, where traditional melodies meet modern sensibilities. Then explore “Klezmer: Music from the Yiddish Theatre” to experience its theatrical roots. For a taste of classic vibes, check out “Fiddler on the Roof,” which captures the spirit of klezmer through beloved show tunes. Finally, don’t miss out on “The New York Klezmer Ensemble” for a glimpse of how this genre continues to evolve today. If you’re intrigued by its improvisational flair and cultural richness, you might also enjoy exploring Balkan brass music or gypsy jazz.
52 artists in the catalog.
Start here
Laughter Through Tears
Oi Va Voi · 2003
Top klezmer albums
See essentials
Laughter Through Tears
Oi Va Voi
Travelling the Face of the Globe
Oi Va Voi
Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah
The Klezmatics
Rhythm and Jews
The Klezmatics
Wonder Wheel
The Klezmatics
Pruflas: Book of Angels Volume 18
David Krakauer
Balan: Book of Angels Volume 5
The Cracow Klezmer Band
Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass
The Cracow Klezmer Band
All klezmer artists
Oi Va Voi
Sephardic music, alternative rock
The Klezmatics
Kroke
jazz, tango
Burton Greene
avant-garde jazz, free jazz
Airat Ichmouratov
classical music
David Krakauer
Giora Feidman
Kruzenshtern & Parohod
jazz, rock music
Psoy Korolenko
Oktopus
Quebec chanson, classical music
Solveig Heilo
bluegrass music, blues
Amsterdam Klezmer Band
La Mano Ajena
Alex Jacobowitz
flamenco, tango
The Cracow Klezmer Band
jazz
Leonid Soybelman
avant-garde music, experimental music
About klezmer
What is klezmer?
instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe
Where should I start with klezmer?
Start with "Laughter Through Tears" by Oi Va Voi. It captures what makes klezmer worth exploring.
What are the best klezmer albums?
The klezmer albums worth hearing first: "Laughter Through Tears" by Oi Va Voi, "Travelling the Face of the Globe" by Oi Va Voi, "Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah" by The Klezmatics, "Rhythm and Jews" by The Klezmatics and "Wonder Wheel" by The Klezmatics.
How many klezmer artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 52 klezmer artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.