On Tuesday, June 10, 2003, at 09:06 AM, Steven D Sandiford wrote:
Can anyone tell me what a *typical* *traditional* Klezmer band line-up of
instruments would be? I need to arrange some music in that style, and have
in mind that clarinet and violin are prominent, possibly also accordion -
but other than that am not so sure!
It's pretty regionally variable, and it depends whether you're talking pre-WWII, old or new world, etc.
Postwar American Klezmer ensembles are typically: voice, clarinet, one or two violins, flute (sometimes), alto saxophone (rarely), trumpet, trombone, guitar or mandolin (sometimes), piano or accordion, xylophone (sometimes), bass, and drums. Prewar European ensembles have fewer winds, more strings, and all kinds of funky Eastern European zithers and whatnot.
If you want to be authentic, you should track down some period recordings. The Klezmer Conservatory Foundation is a good place to start -- try contacting them.
http://www.klezmerconservatory.com/found.htm
Also, Hankus Netsky, music director of the Klezmer Conservatory Band a good friend of mine, just finished his dissertation at Wesleyan on the history of Klezmer in Philadelphia. His email address is <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you about which historical models you should consult.
IMO, a good record to start with, in terms of quality arranging for a new world klezmer ensemble, is _Simcha Time -- Mikey Katz Plays Music for Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and Brisses_. Mikey Katz has a reputation for being way over the top, but he plays it pretty straight on this record, and the arrangements -- by Billy May and Nat Farber -- are all excellent.
- Darcy
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