The master's thesis focuses on clarinet playing techniques and the historical development of klezmer music, encompassing its origins in Eastern European Jewish communities as well as its transformation throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Special attention is given to the influence of various cultural contexts within the Jewish diaspora and the role of the clarinet as the central expressive instrument in this musical genre. The introduction presents the reasons behind the choice of topic and its broader cultural significance. The subsequent chapters define klezmer music, with an emphasis on Jewish tradition and the immigrant experience in the United States — experiences that significantly contributed to shaping the modern sound of klezmer. The core of the thesis examines the distinctions among the three main cultural branches of the Jewish diaspora: Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and Sephardi. It analyzes how different historical influences, migrations, and cultural exchanges have shaped the musical characteristics of each group and, consequently, klezmer tradition. This is followed by an indepth presentation of klezmer performance techniques. The research is divided into several thematic sections: rhythms and musical content, dynamics and phrasing, scales and modes (shteygers), and various types of ornamentation, such as krekhts, glissando, and slap tongue. Each element is closely examined in terms of its expressive qualities and performance function. Beyond technical aspects, the thesis also explores dance forms characteristic of klezmer tradition, including nigun, freylekhs, bulgar, khosidl, hora, sirba, and others. Each is described both musically and socio-culturally, as they carry significant symbolic and historical meaning. Special attention is also given to the comparison between klezmer modes (shteygers) and Arabic maqams. This comparison highlights not only musical similarities but also how modality and melody serve to express emotion, tell stories, and open space for improvisation. Thus, this thesis does not merely provide a technical overview of performance methods. It represents a thorough musical study that interweaves history, culture, and practice. Through various analytical, historical, and interpretive approaches, it offers valuable insight into klezmer as a living tradition — one that continues to inspire contemporary musical creativity and transcends ethnic or religious boundaries.
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