Learn to Play Klezmer Music

Originally a derogatory term for amateur musicians at Jewish weddings, "klezmer"--traditional instrumental music played by Eastern Europeans Jews--is not only a wunnerful wunnerful up-tempo musical style (try to frown while listening to klezmer music--it's impossible), it's also fairly intricate. Andy Statman, who is a dynamite klezmer musician and a not-so-dynamite instructor (Statman teaches segments thus: "We have...(plays)...then we have...(plays)...and then...(plays)...") gets down on his clarinet, accompanied by Zev Zions on accordion. The selections include "Purim Niggun," "Moshe Emes," and "Old Sher," and Statman first plays simple versions, and then adds various ornaments, trills and slurred notes. The camerawork is so-so (although he's not Chuck Berry, Statman does occasionally throw a little body English into the performance which makes the clarinet dip a bit during a close-up) and the tape presumes prior knowledge of the clarinet. Still, imitation--besides being the sincerest form of plagiarism--is one of the best ways to learn anything, and there is considerable value simply watching Statman and listening to his descriptions of the old masters. Recommended. (Note: For those who would just like to enjoy a little klezmer music, check out our review of Tickle in the Heart in our "Video Movies" section.) Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)