Hebrew music is considered very diverse and dates back to thousands of years ago. All in all, the rhythm and sound of the music greatly differs depending on the origins of the Jewish composers. Ultimately, the history of Hebrew music is primarily about the cantorial, synagogal, and the Temple music from Biblical to Modern times. According to the Mishna, the regular Temple orchestra included twelve different instruments and a choir of twelve male singers. However, there were a number of other instruments known to the ancient Hebrews, but never included in the regular Temple orchestra. One of these instruments included the uggav, which was similar to a panflute or panpipes.
Hebrew music in the 20th century changed dramatically. It includes Shlomo Carlebach's nigunim to Debbie Friedman's Jewish feminist folk. Not to mention, in the 1970’s Mordechai Ben David, Avrohom Fried, Abie Rottenburg and Jewish boys choirs such as Yigal Calek's London Pirchei became popular. However, the Orthodox Jews produce a large body of music that is a bit different. Their music is directed towards teaching ethical and religious traditions, as well as the laws that the Jewish people should live by. Most of the lyrics of these songs are written in both Hebrew and English, using phrases from the Jewish prayer book.
Modern Israeli music is heavily influenced by its residents, which includes Jewish immigrants from 120 countries around the world. These individuals brought their music and traditions with them to Israeli, making it a “global melting pot”. Israeli music maintains components of both western and eastern music and essentially is considered extremely versatile and unique in its own way. It can be considered very eclectic and heavily influenced by the Diaspora,
Hassidic songs, Asian and Arab pop, hip hop and heavy metal.
Music is central to an individual’s religious experience. Within the Torah then, one will find a completely other type of song. This song is reflexive, containing morally educational hints and reminders, as well as reprimands, within its stanzas. Similarly, many of the Psalms contain ethical teachings and deep reflections about God and His world and what it means to be a good person and to do the right thing. As a result, Hebrew music and the music of the Jews can be found to express joy, love and sadness, in addition to sending certain messages to the human heart. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the entire Torah to be referred to as a ‘song’.
Music was always part of the Jewish people and there is no book fuller of music than the Torah itself. This book is publicly chanted, never read in a narrative fashion, only increasing the significance of music to the Jews. Ultimately, the music of the Jews is meant to inspire and to express to individuals the important of religion and following the right path.
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