Joel Rubin Jewish Music Ensemble
Beregovski’s Khasene (Berevovski’s Wedding):
Forgotten Instrumental Treasures from the Ukraine
(Schott Wergo SM 1614-2; Mainz, 1997).

This trendsetting recording was the very first based entirely on melodies from the most important collection of eastern European Jewish music, that of Ukrainian-Jewish ethnomusicologist Moyshe Beregovski (1892-1961). Many of these pieces had not been performed since they were collected over seventy years ago and have since become standards of the klezmer revival. A work of art and at the same time a moving historical document, Beregovski’s Khasene represents a landmark, bringing together leading European and American performers of klezmer, Romani (gypsy) and Balkan music, jazz and new music to create a totally unique sound.

“unique” (Spiegel Extra)

“absolutely first-class” (Gramophone)

“[Rubin is] the true heir of the legendary klezmorim… The musicians are talented ensemble players who intuitively understand each other in an instant. … this is music-making for the sake of the music!”
(Jewish Daily Forward, New York)

“highly recommended for listeners out to explore the roots of this soulful and exhilarating music”
(Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“completely unique” (Stuttgarter Zeitung)

“superb clarinet playing … his ornamented style repays intensive listening”
(Jewish Quarterly)

“without a doubt, Rubin’s newest recording belongs to the most striking and noble publications of klezmer music”
(Dos Yiddishe Vort, Warsaw)

“Rubin … is clearly an important figure in the rediscovery of the Ashkenazic musical tradition”
(Jewish Herald-Voice)

Joel Rubin, clarinet in C
Kálmán Balogh, cimbalom
Claudio Jacomucci, concert accordion
Ferenc Kovács, trumpet
László Major, violin
Csaba Novák, string bass

Posted Saturday, June 14th, 1997 under Jewish Music Series, Joel Rubin.