Customer Reviews

Itzhak Perlman - Live in the Fiddler's House

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To me, this is the best klezmer album I've ever listened to (and I have quite a few). And it's a live album. Although it's a kind of live version of "In the Fiddler's House", the repertoire is not the same (they only share one or two songs). The bands accompanying Itzhak Perlman are at their best (they are the best klezmer performers!). I prefer, personally, Andy Statman's clarinet and mandolin (Andy's Ride and Meron Nign/In the Sukke are my favorites); then there are great moments with Brave Old World (Doina Naftule and A Hora mit Branfn are beautiful pieces) and the Klezmatics, of course. The 12 minute finale is an absolute well crafted medley, under Klezmer Conservatory Band's leader, Hankus Netsky. I did'n want it to end.
I don't like at all the women voices of Klezmer Conservatory Band, although the instrumental pieces (like Khosidl) are amazing.
There is not a second in this album which is not top klezmer.

Premiere violinist Itzhak Perlman is joined live in concert by four premiere klezmer groups: Brave Old World, The Klezmatics, Andy Statman, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Vibrant, poignant and distinctly old-world, klezmer is the musical style that developed among Eastern European Jews. Featuring the soulful fire of violin, clarinet, accordion, mandolin and vocal leads, accompanied by cimbalom (a hammered-dulcimer), piano, drums. There are a few soulful slow tunes mixed in amongst the fiery dances, but most of the selections on "Live in the Fiddler's House" are fun and up tempo, full of the instrumental virtuosity one would expect both of this genre, and of a concert violinist of Itzhak Perlman caliber. Klezmer is some of the world's best good-time music, right up there with Irish jigs, Cajun two-steps and country banjo pickin'. But it's not all sweetness and light; inherent in the mournful, minor mode of this traditional music is blend of opposites--both the sorrow of persecution and defiant sense of fun-in-the-moment inherent of a culture displaced, trying to maintain its identity in an ever-changing and often hostile world. And therein lies klezmer's appeal to the soul. For more great Jewish music, try any of the separate releases by Brave Old World, The Klezmatics, Andy Statman and his band, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. You might also enjoy "The Hidden Gate: Jewish Music Around the World," the traditional Sephardic music of the group Voice of the Turtle, and the unplugged world fusion of Basya Schechter and Pharoah's Daughter in "Out of the Reeds."

For people who are into Klezmer music this is the finest C.D.! For Klezmer music lovers, this is a masterpiece.

Definately "shetel" music. Good, lively and a great change of pace from todays music. It is most ethnic and I do love it.

I gave it my wife as a gift, and she loves it without reservation. She says that it is great to listen to on her walks.

Music was good....quality of the CD was poor. Low volume and not much bass. Every time the CD comes up, I have to readjust the stereo.