Music of South Asia and Middle East (Middle East - Israel)  (copy)

==Israel==

The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic in the Middle East and it is defines as a Jewish and democratic state in its basic laws. It is the world’s only Jewish-majority state. Israel’s diverse culture stem from the diversity of the population: Jews from around the world have brought their cultural and religious traditions with them, creating a melting pot of Jewish customs and beliefs. It is the only country in the world where life revolves around the Hebrew calendar.

==Israel Music==

Contains musical influences from all over the world. It is a combination of Jewish and non-Jewish music traditions that have come together over the course of a century to create a distinctive musical culture.

Musical Elements of Israel’s Music
==Timber== - Throaty, gutturalRhythm - Complicated metric system and modes of middle East

==Melody== - Complex modal
==Form== - Improvisory in form
==Harmony Texture== - Heterophony and highly

Music of Israel

is an integral part of its national identity. Israeli music has influences from:

a. ==Russian folk music==– Russian folk tunes with translated or new lyrics in Hebrew

b. ==Klezmer== – Israeli folk music, with lyrics translated from the Yiddish or New Hebrew words

c. ==Muzika Mizrahit== – combines eastern and western elements

d. ==Jewish Yemenite music== – the music of ancient Hebrews and usually performed in the home, in a window-lined room at the top of the house

Characteristics of the Music of Israel
The music of Israel reflects its moody, history, dreams, and aspirations.

Its melody and lyrics enter deep into the soul of people.

a. The used of minor keys

b. Dance rhythm have strong

c. Lyrics relate to the Israeli experience (major wars, military conflicts, army life, longing for peace)

Vocal Music of Israel
Israel singers have a distinctive vocal style. They sing with guttural and throaty enunciation

Two Division of Jewish Music

  1. DEVOTIONAL
  • Almost entirely vocal
  • Featured during Sabbath and other holy days
  • The art of Hazan (leader of prayer in the synagogue)has always been evident in the culture
  • Shofar – is a special call to prayer and repentance; it is sounded on the High Holidays.
  1. SECULAR
  • Instruments and voice are used
  • Played during life passage events
  • Context lies outside the religious domain
  • Very rhythmic and have popular and romantic text

HORA - A dance that often has strong off beats and asymmetric meters, uses accompaniment

Musical Instruments of Israel
==RIQ== – Israeli’s tambourine, consist of a single drumhead mounted on a ring with small metal jingles.

==BIRCH== – It consist of two circular concave plates of brass or other metal. It is similar to the Western cymbals.

==SISTRUM== – It is a percussion instrument that originated in ancient Egypt. It is a type of rattle with a handle and U-shaped metal frame, usually in brass or bronze.

==KINNOR== – This is Hebrew name for an ancient stringed instrument. It is a member of the zither family and the national instrument of Israel.
==PSALTERY== – a 10 stringed lute

==Shofar== – It is a musical instrument used for religious and non-religious purposes. It is made from a ram’s horn. It is similar to a bugle.

Folkb Songs from Israel Israeli folk songs before have topics that describe the countryside scenes.Later the folksongs begun to mirror the political reality of the new state.The folksongs remember and honor fallen friends, describe conflicts and war, and the Israelis’ longing for peace in their country

ZUM GALI GALI

This folk song is originating around the birth of the modern state.It was sung by the pioneers as they work in the fields in Israel to help them stay coordinated as they made the dessert bloom