The Music of Israel
MUS5-10-Thu3
Amir Milstein
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation in this course requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email.
March 13 - May 22
(No Class April 17)For over a century, the land of Israel has been a destination for immigrants who came from every corner of the earth. They brought with them their traditions, languages, and art. This rich cultural variety merged with local Mediterranean influences to create today’s vibrant and diverse Israeli society. We will consider the influence of music traditions brought to Israel by Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Yemenite and Ethiopian Jews. We will discuss the story of a world-renowned Israeli ensemble (Bustan Abraham) which brought together Arab and Jewish musicians in search of a new artistic co-existence. We will explore the gradual process of adapting and merging imported musical traditions with the local Mediterranean musical idioms as well as with other global musical trends.
They say that music carries the “cultural DNA” of the people who create it. During the course we will embark on a fascinating journey, exploring a wide array of aspects in Israeli society through its music and the artists who created it. Through guided listening, engaging stories, live music performance, and selected readings and guided research, we will learn about the evolving historic, social, and cultural process that helped shape the unique sound of Israeli music.
More lecture than facilitated discussion.
During the course we will use YouTube videos and references to online resources.
1-2 hours.
A graduate of the Rubin Academy in Jerusalem and the New England Conservatory, Israeli born flutist, composer and music educator Amir Milstein has established his career founding ensembles such as Bustan Abraham and Tucan Trio. His flute playing and compositions are featured in numerous albums and film scores, and present a unique stylistic fusion of classical, jazz and world-music. Amir performs worldwide, collaborating with renowned artists and ensembles. He has been teaching music history, performance and improvisation, and presenting workshops at universities such as: Northeastern, Middlebury, UPenn, and Berklee, and is currently on the faculty at the New England Conservatory.