Various :: Combocom: Klezmer

Barenreiter is pleased to present Combocom Klezmer: 12 Arrangements fur variable Besetzung (12 Arrangements for variable instruments).

The twelve pieces in this volume provide an introduction to the genuine, living klezmer tradition through practical music-making. They offer a glimpse into the typically bittersweet melody and harmony of Yiddish music, which emerged from a mixture of Yiddish, Slavic, Rumanian and German stylistic elements and is currently undergoing a revival in the folk music scene.

This collection is aimed at musicians who want to play in small groups, from duos to quintets. The scoring is variable; the only mandatory parts are Melody I, whether played on flute or sung, and the piano, which may be replaced by a guitar or another chordal instrument. Melody II, with parts for C and Bb instruments, Melody III in C, and the bass part, are optional; when added, however, they thicken the texture with countermelodies and harmonies.

Melody I is written for flute, voice, or oboe, with an extra part in Bb; Melody II is written for flute, oboe, violin, or clarinet in Bb; Melody III for low instrument in C; and the bass part is on its own. The piano part also contains chord symbols.