What is klezmer?

Given its complex roots in both the history of Jewish religious practice and the musical traditions common in Southern and Eastern Europe, defining "klezmer" can be difficult. Essentially, "klezmer" (from the Hebrew/Yiddish for "vessel of music" referring to a musical instrument) refers to the traditional instrumental dance music of Eastern European Jews (Ashkenazim). Its influences range from Jewish cantorial music and Hasidic nigunim -- wordless tunes -- to secular music styles with which Jewish musicians had contact.

Today, klezmer continues to serve as lively dance music at Jewish weddings and other celebrations, and here at Stanford, you might hear klezmer being performed at events on campus and around the Palo Alto community.