We are happy to announce that Dr Diana Matut will be teaching a new music class through the Oxford School of Rare Jewish Languages (OSRJL) in Michaelmas Term 2023 and throughout the academic year.
Introduction to the History of Yiddish Music
This academic year, Dr Diana Matut has set at theme for the entire year with a special emphasis in each term so that prospective students can always join anew.
Michaelmas Term 2023: The Origins of Yiddish Music, 1300-1800
Hilary Term 2024: Yiddish Music as a Global Phenomenon, 1800-1933
Trinity Term 2024: From Resistance to New Voices: Yiddish Music from Wartime to the 21st Century
Michaelmas Term 2023:
The Origins of Yiddish Music, 1300-1800
Mondays, 18:15-19:15 UK Time, Online via Zoom
This year-long academic class will span the history of Yiddish vernacular music in its vocal and instrumental forms from the late Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Beginning in the 1300s, we will explore Yiddish song and singing traditions as well as secondary sources for musical practices pertaining to vernacular music making among the Ashkenazim.
Musical practices will be explored as part of the wider religious, historical and sociological developments in the Ashkenazic world.
Those with a command of Western-/Old Yiddish will be given the chance to read song texts in the original. English translations will be provided.
Students are welcome to join this class on the History of Yiddish Music for any of the three terms. It is not necessary to take them all consecutively.
The first day of class for this class will be Monday 9 October 2023.