Jewish music is a vibrant tapestry that reflects the diverse history and cultural heritage of Jewish communities across the world. From Sephardi to Mizrahi traditions, Jewish music encompasses a wide range of styles and influences, creating a unique musical mosaic. In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into the Sephardi and Mizrahi branches of Jewish music and their rich histories.
Sephardi Music: The Melodic Legacy of Spain
The term “Sephardi” is derived from the Hebrew word “Sefarad,” which means Spain. Historically, it referred to Jews mainly from Spain, but it also included those from North Africa, Greece, and Egypt. After the expulsion of non-Christians in 1492, Jewish culture, rich and cultivated, migrated en masse to the Ottoman Empire, forming the primary branch of Jews residing in present-day Turkey.
The language of Sephardi Jews, aside from Hebrew, is Ladino, a 15th-century Spanish dialect. Much of their musical repertoire is in Ladino, blending elements from traditional Arab, North African, and Turkish musical idioms.
In medieval Spain, “canciones” performed at royal courts laid the foundation for Sephardic music. The genre encompasses spiritual, ceremonial, and entertainment songs, featuring Hebrew lyrics for religious songs and Ladino for others.
As Sephardi music spread to North Africa, Turkey, Greece, the Balkans, and Egypt, it assimilated various musical elements. These include the high-pitched ululations of North Africa, Balkan rhythms (e.g., 9/8 time), and Turkish maqam modes. Sephardi music often favors women’s voices, accompanied by instruments like the “oud” and “qanun,” which are not traditionally Jewish.
In the early 20th century, some Sephardic music gained popularity through commercial recordings. Early male singers of the genre included Jack Mayesh, Haim Efendi, and Yitzhak Algazi. Later, a new generation of singers, many of whom were not Sephardic themselves, emerged, such as Gloria Levy, Pasharos Sefardíes, and Flory Jagoda.
Mizrahi Music: Eastern Flavors and Middle Eastern Roots
“Mizrahi” translates to “Eastern” and refers to Jews from the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Mizrahi music incorporates local traditions, resulting in a rich musical tradition that stretches from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq to as far east as India.
Typical Mizrahi songs feature Middle Eastern percussion instruments alongside the violin, and the music is known for its high-pitched melodies. In modern-day Israel, Mizrahi music enjoys immense popularity.
The “Muzika Mizrahit” movement emerged in the 1950s, driven by performers from ethnic neighborhoods in Israel. This movement included Yemenite, Moroccan, Iranian, and Iraqi immigrants who played traditional Arabic instruments like the “oud,” “kanun,” and “darbuka” while singing in Hebrew, infusing an Arabic style.
Classic Hebrew literature, including liturgical texts and poems by medieval Hebrew poets, often served as the source of lyrics for Mizrahi music.
Music in Jewish Liturgy: Harmony and Tradition
The use of music in Jewish liturgy has been a subject of discussion and debate. While it is generally agreed that women’s voices should be excluded from religious ceremonies, and musical instruments are banned in synagogue services, some Rabbinical authorities have softened these positions, with the exclusion of female voices remaining intact.
In weddings, the Talmudic statement “to gladden the groom and bride with music” is seen as allowing instrumental and non-religious music, albeit performed outside the synagogue.
The influential writings of Spanish Rabbi Maimonides (1135-1204) offered varying perspectives on music. He opposed all forms of non-religious music but recommended instrumental music for its healing properties.
Throughout history, music scores were believed to contain healing powers and hidden formulas. In Rita Monaldi and Francesco Solti’s novel “Imprimatur,” the plot centers around a composition by Salomone Rossi (1570-1630), a significant Jewish composer.
Jewish mystical treatises, such as the Kabbala, have explored the ethical, magical, and therapeutic powers of music since the 13th century. These writings emphasize enhancing the religious experience through music and singing.
In conclusion, while there may not be a unified position on music in Jewish thought, a common theme emerges: music serves as the authentic expression of human emotions in both religious and secular life. The rich tapestry of Sephardi and Mizrahi music showcases the diversity, history, and cultural significance of Jewish musical traditions, enriching the global musical landscape.