Klezmer
DEFINITION
Musical style characteristic to European Jewish bands, usually of 3-4 musicians. The word comes from Hebrew: " Kly Zemer " being "a musical instrument ", which was a colloquial way of calling a performing musician in East European Jewish communities. The instruments used are normally a double bass with two melodic instruments, often a violin and a clarinet. Klezmer bands would mainly perform at weddings. Their performance is based mostly on East European Folk musical style, often modified to accommodate shteygers (European Jewish musical modes) which are used in Jewish prayer.