Klezmer from the Hebrew kle (a vessel) and zmer (song). Learn to play the joyous traditional music of Eastern European Jews! The lessons on this DVD are rich in knowledge history lore and invaluable musical information for all instrumentalists who want to learn more about this compelling style. Andy Statman discusses the background techniques and stylistic nuances needed to perform Klezmer correctly regardless of your instrument. This stirring music increasingly popular among Jewish musicians as well as with 'world music' enthusiasts around the globe is highly improvisational with powerful melodies and rich ornamentation. Andyteaches typical Jewish tunes playing each one slowly and unornamented then demonstrating how trills slurs grace notes vibrato and other variations 'bring out the heart that's inside the melody.' You'll learn connecting runs classic ending 'dangerous' ornaments to avoid and the rhythmic underpinning of this vital music. Andy then performs each tune on Clarinet accompanied by Zev Zions on the accordion. The humour wisdom and advice that Andy imparts is a must for anyone interested in playing one of the world's great musical forms.

Xavier Montsalvatge (1912-2002) was a consummate Spanish composer who explored many 20th century styles including Impressionism Serialism Modernism and Wagnerism while maintaining a distinctive Catalan character. He first came to prominence in 1940 after the Spanish Civil War and is seen to represent the ?lost generation? which was active in the second half of the 1900?s. He helped to advance Spanish music from the Nationalistic style that dominated before the war and began to introduce West Indian influences into European music.Self-Parafrasis for Clarinet and Piano was written around 1968 when Montsalvatge was just cominginto the height of his compositional prowess. It is presented here in a high-quality glossy cover and would make the perfect gift for any clarinettist.