Jewish music is the music and melodies of the Jewish people which have evolved over time throughout the long course of Jewish history. In some instances Jewish music is of a religious nature, spiritual songs and refrains are common in Jewish Services throughout the world, while other times, it is of a secular nature. The rhythm and sound of Jewish music varies greatly depending on the origins of the Jewish composer and the time period in which the piece was composed.
As Velvel Pasternak writes, "The importance of music in the life of the Jewish people is found almost at the beginning of Genesis... mentioned among the three fundamental professions.... Music was viewed as a necessity in everyday life, as a beautifying and enriching complement of human existence."
Read more about Jewish Music: Secular Jewish Music
Famous quotes containing the words jewish and/or music:
“It is most important that we should keep in this country a certain leisured class.... I am of the opinion of the ancient Jewish book which says there is no wisdom without leisure.”
—William Butler Yeats (18651939)
“The harp that once through Taras halls The soul of music shed, Now hangs as mute on Taras walls As if that soul were fled.”
—Thomas Moore (17791852)