Jewish Music: Its Historical Development

by Abraham Z. Idelsohn

In this landmark of musical scholarship, the leading 20th-century authority on Jewish music describes and analyzes its elements and characteristics, and chronicles its development from the earliest appearance of Semitic song two thousand years ago to the early 20th century. Drawing upon years of research, including his own collecting of synagogue and folk songs in Middle Eastern and European Jewish communities, the author examines the music as a tonal expression of Judaism and Jewish life, containing original elements and features reflecting the spiritual aspects of Jewish culture.
The song of the synagogue is traced from its origins in the Middle East through its evolution there and throughout the cultures of Eastern, Central, and Western Europe and the United States. The mystical songs of the Chassidim, the traditions of the Badchonim and Klezmorim, and other important aspects of the history of Jewish folk music are covered in detail as well.
The book is written not only for scholars and musicians but also for lay persons interested in a serious study of the subject. Technical sections are printed in smaller type, and non-English terms are defined. The book is liberally illustrated with every type of music discussed. A new introduction by noted scholar Arbie Orenstein highlights the book's enduring values and significance. For musicologists, ethnographers, and students of Jewish history and culture, this fascinating book remains the most comprehensive one-volume study of the development and meaning of Jewish music over a thousand years of history.

Genres: Music, Jewish

576 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 1992

Reviews

[Dirk Holzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is an incredible book that documents the entire history of Jewish music up until the early 1900s. The wealth of information and research is almost unmatched in any other books on this subject, and this is a must read for anyone interested in Jewish music.

However, the book does show its age with the sections covering musical development of the 20th century, so the last hundred years or so of Jewish musical history won’t be found in here. Also, Idelsohn shows evident bias in his discussion of several topics, most significantly the Reform movement. He clearly holds by a fairly traditional view of Judaism and Jewish music, which can make reading these sections bothersome for the more modern Jew. Nonetheless, the material is excellent if you can put aside his tone.

[Jordon Gyarmathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this pretty comprehensive guide to Jewish music. The format of the book was very helpful, being broken down in Synagogal, Folk, and Art music, and the distinction between Jewish cultures in different parts of the world was quite interesting. This seems like a great starting place for more in depth study and research. There are great resources too, I only wish that this book could have covered post WWII but it was published before the war even begun. Overall an enjoyable read with great musical examples/sheet music and references.

[Rebekah Mui · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many misconceptions surrounding the music of the first and second temple periods. This was an enlightening read and a very detailed account. If you're a music historian or anthropologist, this provides a good basis for further investigation. Especially useful are the modes and scores referenced. Not exactly light reading but a useful volume to have for research purposes.