Music of Israel

GR. 8 MAPEH
 The state of Israel is a parliamentary republic in the
Middle East, along the eastern shore of the
Mediterranean sea.
 Israel’s diverse culture stems from the diversity of the
population: Jews from around the world brought their
cultural and religious traditions with them creating a
melting pot of Jewish customs and beliefs. Israel is the
only country in the world where life revolves around the
Hebrew calendar.

 Israeli music is a combination of Jewish and Non-Jewish

music traditions that have come together over the
course of a century to create a distinctive musical
culture.
Music in Israel is an integral part of its national identity.
Israeli music has influences from the following:

 Russian folk music – Russian folk tunes with translated or

new lyrics from Hebrew.
 Klezmer – Israeli folk music, with lyrics translated from the
Yiddish, or new Hebrew words.
 Muzika Mizrahit – combines eastern and western
elements.
 Jewish Yemenite Music – the music of ancient Hebrews
which is usually performed at home, in a window-lined
room at the top of the house.
Devotional
 More on vocal music
 Uses the Shofar to call for repentance and prayer
 Attribute Sabbath and other holy days.
Secular
 Uses instrumental and vocal music
 Use for passage events
 Rhythmic and uses romantic text

 Bouzouki – Greek style music translated into Hebrew.

Musical Elements
The music of Israel reflects on the mood, history dreams and
aspirations. The melody and lyrics enter deep into the people’s
soul.
Musical Elements Characteristics

Rhythm Dance rythms have strong off beats

Asymmetric meters
Modes of Middle East.

Melody Complex modal system

Lyrics relate to Israeli Experience
Use minor keys.
Timbre Throaty, guttural voice
Distinctive vocal style
Harmony and Texture Heterophonic
Highly Ornamented
Form Improvisionary
Israeli music was always accompanied by singing,
dancing, and musical instruments.
The following are famous musical instruments from Israel.

Riq – Israeli’s Birch – it consists

tambourine, consists of of two circular
a single drumhead concave plates
mounted on a ring with of brass or other
small metal jingles. metal. It is similar
to the western
cymbals.
Sistrum – It is a Kinnor – This is the
percussion Hebrew
instrument name for an
originated from ancient stringed
Ancient Egypt. It instrument. It is a
is a type of rattle member of the
with a handle zither family and
and U-shaped the national
metal frame, instrument of Israel.
usually in brass
or bronze
Psaltery – a
10-stringed
lute.
Shofar - It is a musical
instrument used for religious
and non-religious purposes.
It is made from a ram’s horn.
Similar to a bugle.