Musical Mermaids

‘Klezmer’ translates as ‘instruments of music’ and is best known as the traditional Jewish wedding music of Western Europe. The London Klezmer Quartet, presently on tour in Tasmania, are an all girl group, which has a certain irony, as in some aspects of traditional Judaism women were not allowed to play music. One possible explanation for this is that like the sirens of mythology it was thought the inclusion of the women’s voices would drive the men mad or perhaps at least distract them from what they were meant to be doing. The real irony is that it is women worldwide who are leading the revival in Klezmer music.

This week I spoke to one of these musical mermaids, Ilana Cravitz the violinist. The others members being Indra Buraczewska who plays the double bass, Susi Evans the clarinet and Carol Isaacs the accordion.

The London Klezmer quartet has been touring Australia since 2012 but Ilana tells me its the groups first trip to Tasmania and an experience they are enjoying very much . They are impressed with the strong folk tradition in Tasmania,having already performed for the Folk Federation of , where they shared their knowledge of the various dances that accompany Klezmer. The ladies also had the privilege of performing at the Hobart synagogue, the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Ilona tells me she was warmed by the welcoming made to the quartet.

On this Tasmanian trip the group has also performed at Launceston Tranquil Gardens, but it all hasn’t been strictly performing as the band members still were able to have some time to become acquainted with platypus and echidnas!

Klezmer music has a tradition at weddings with its mix of joy, laughter and sadness. An interesting ritual that might surprise is that before a Jewish wedding it is required to cause the bride to cry. The tradition behind this is a belief that even in great happiness one is reminded of sadness as in the tradition of breaking the glass at the wedding symbolically recounting the destruction of the temple.

There may also be superstition behind the tearful bride. In a way it’s a protective ritual so the evil spirits do not see the bride as being too happy and so desire to destroy her happiness.

The London Klezmer Quartet are a talented bunch, with Carol the accordion player also having designed the artwork for the groups second album ‘Butterfield Green N16’ the name being taken from Ilana’s area code in London.

The Quartet are in Australia until the 16th of February and also hope to be involved in recording another album in Melbourne while they are here as well as some time out to enjoy the sights.

Before they continue their tour on the mainland you can catch them The London Klezmer Quartet in Tassie at the Cygnet Folk Festival (Fri 10 – Sun 12), workshop and on Tuesday 14th (7.30pm) at Battery Point’s St George’s Church.

You can read more about the quartet here

http://www.londonklezmerquartet.com/
Paula Xiberras