Klezmer fiddle: a how-to guide

This collection of 16 tunes, complete with CD and guidance on style and interpretation, gives you all the tools you need to begin exploring klezmer music - the repertoire of Jewish folk musicians originating in eastern Europe. Each tune is presented with helpful notes on tonality, phrasing and bowing, and ornamentation, which will immerse you in the style and help you to develop skills that can be applied throughout the book. The CD includes newly recorded (and selected historical) performances of each tune, together with a complete set of backings. Alternatively, accompanying instruments can play along using the chords above the melody line, or use the sekund and bass parts provided in two pull-out booklets. Whether you have some knowledge of the repertoire's distinctive sound and feel or none at all, Klezmer Fiddle is the perfect way to build up a body of fantastic tunes for any occasion.

Freylekhs; Nign; Khosidl; Freylekhs nokh der khupe (Dance from the wedding canopy); Mekhutonim tsum tish (Playing the in-laws to the table); Zhok; Khosn kale mazltov (Congratulations to the bridegroom and bride); Zay gezunt (Farewell); Sirba; Shver un shviger tants (Dance for the mother- and father-in-law); Sher; Skotshne; Terkisher; Bulgar; Gas-nign (Street tune); Doyne

Ilana Cravitz is a klezmer fiddler, baroque violinist, and viola da gamba player based in London. She specializes in the celebratory and soulful klezmer repertoire, and regularly performs with klezmer bands and period instrument ensembles, as well as teaching classes, workshops, and individuals.