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Music genre

Jewish music

Jewish music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of ethnic music. Explore its 6 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

Listen: Jewish music examples

Birnbaum TenShabbat
5:20Public domainby Cantor jtsWikimedia Commons
5:20

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About Jewish music

Jewish music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of ethnic music.

Jewish music has given rise to 6 subgenres on this site, such as Klezmer, Sephardic music, Pizmonim and Jewish western art music.

From Wikipedia

Jewish music is the music and melodies of the Jewish people. There exist both traditions of religious music, as sung at the synagogue and in domestic prayers, and of secular music, such as klezmer. While some elements of Jewish music may originate in biblical times (Biblical music), differences of rhythm and sound can be found among later Jewish communities that have been musically influenced by location. In the nineteenth century, religious reform led to composition of ecclesiastic music in the styles of classical music. At the same period, academics began to treat the topic in the light of ethnomusicology. Edwin Seroussi has written, "What is known as 'Jewish music' today is thus the result of complex historical processes". A number of modern Jewish composers have been aware of and influenced by the different traditions of Jewish music.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Jewish music.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jewish music?

Jewish music is a music genre. It is usually classed as a form of ethnic music.

Sources & credits