Styles
The Israeli music is very versatile and combines elements of both
western and eastern music. It tends to be very eclectic and contains
a wide variety of influences from the Diaspora and more modern cultural
importation. Hassidic songs, Asian and Arab pop, especially Yemenite
singers, and hip hop or heavy metal.
National/Folk Music
Termed in Hebrew ???? ??? ????? ("songs of the land of Israel"),
folk songs are meant mainly to be sung in public by the audience
or in social events. Some are children's songs; some combine European
folk tunes with Hebrew lyrics; some come from military bands and
others were written by poets such as Naomi Shemer and Chaim Nachman
Bialik.
The canonical songs of this genre often deal with Zionist hopes
and dreams and glorify the life of idealistic Jewish youth who intend
on building a home and defending their homeland. A common theme
is Jerusalem as well as other parts of Eretz Israel. Tempo varies
widely, as do the content. Some songs show a leftist or right-wing
bent, while others are typically love songs, lullabies or other
formats; some are also socialist in subject, due to the long-standing
influence of socialism on Jews in parts of the Diaspora.
Patriotic folk songs are common, mostly written during the wars
of Israel. They typically concern themselves with soldiers' friendships
and the sadness of death during war. Some are now played at memorials
or holidays dedicated to the Israeli dead.
Also common are songs discussing the longing for Peace.
Well-known singers:
· Yehoram Gaon
· Arik Lavi (1927 - 2004)
· Yafa Yarkoni
· Shoshana Damari
· Nahal (military troupe)
· Ha-Gevatron
· Esther Ofarim
· Chava Alberstein
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Classical music
Just as writers of popular music sought a new, "Hebrew" style, many classical composers sought new modes of composition that would give expression to their new national identity. "... One cannot continue in this country writing works which are based on purely western concepts," wrote music critic David Rosolio in 1946. "The landscape, the lifestyle, the environment, all require a change and fundamentally different approach."Alexander Boskovitz in his "Semitic Suite" for piano (1945) writes in a homophonic style with a drone accompaniment and repeated notes, imitating the sound of the Arabic Oud and Kanun. Paul Ben Haim wrote "Sonata A Tre" for cembalo, mandolin and guitar (1968) also has a distinctly Middle eastern sound. Many Israeli composers in the 21st century, such as Betty Olivero and Tzippi Fleisher, also draw on Jewish and Middle Eastern origins for style and inspiration. Israel is well known for its famous classical orchestras and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra under the management of Zubin Mehta has a worldwide reputation. As the Holy land, Israel is full with ancient churches, and holy music of various sorts, including liturgical music and Gregorian chanting, either remain popular or have been revived. Notable Israeli classical musicians: · Daniel Barenboim (piano, conductur) · Dudu Fisher (cantor, opera singer) · Yaacov Bilansky Levanon (composer, violinist) · Itzhak Perlman (violin) · Yavgeni Shapovalov (opera singer) · Pinchas Zukerman (violin, viola) · David D'Or (composer, opera singer) 1. ^ Menashe Ravina, "The Songs of the People of Israel", published by Hamossad Lemusika Ba'am, 1943 2. ^ David Rosolio in a review of the Semitic Suite by Alexander Boskovitz, Ha'aretz, March 1, 1946. Rock |
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