MUSICAL CULTURE OF ISRAEL

Geographically, Israel is part of the Middle East; its musical heritage is historically related to Arab, Persian, Turkish, and North African traditions. However, its history of immigration in the last century has made its musical profile very different from that of its Middle Eastern neighbors. Israel as a country is rather new, established in 1948 as an official Jewish state. When the state was established, music was recognized as an important element: It has the power to bring diverse immigrant groups together and can function as a way to form a national identity.

Each immigrant group brought the traditions of the homeland, including music. Since there were many fine musicians and composers among the early immigrants from Europe, Western classical music became well known and widely performed in Palestine. At that time, urban musical life was similar to that in European cities, with orchestra concerts, vocal and instrumental solo and ensemble recitals, European-style musical theater and cabaret shows, and many styles of popular music. Indigenous and traditional Arabic music continued to be performed by established poets and musicians. Immigrants also brought their own folk and composed music. European immigrants brought a strong choral tradition to Israel. It continues to this day with numerous community, symphonic, and children’s choirs performing throughout the country. Israel has hosted the Zimryia- world choral festival every three years since 1952.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a rise in folk music with texts reflecting the political and social times. It was during this time that numerous songs about Jerusalem and peace appeared

The global spread of rock music in the 1960s affected this tradition as well; the new folk music took on the characteristics of rock and was accompanied by electric organ, drums, guitar, and bass guitar

Along with the ongoing and pervasive European influence on Israeli musical life, there has been an ongoing desire by some to return to pre-European, Middle-Eastern roots. The 1950s saw influences of Iraq and Egypt in popular music; the 1960s saw Arabic and Greek influences.

In the 1980s a style known as "eastern Mediterranean" developed, incorporating melodies in modes and with ornamentation that sound Middle Eastern but with accompaniment built around electric guitar, bass guitar, and drum set. This is yet one more addition to the many musical styles found in Israel today.

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