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The French romantic poet once quoted “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent”. This quote is apt and appropriate for the melodious tunes that Israeli music produces. The music of Israel reflects its mood, history, dreams and aspirations. Israeli popular music, with its melody and lyrics, has entered deep into the soul of the people. Israeli music sings mainly about the happenings of the society. Wars, immigration, terrorism, love, kibbutz life, children, the endless dreams for peace is given a poignant shape through its music in Israel. Israeli music was the source of immense inspiration during the tragic times. It also cherishes and celebrates the good times to hearts content. Music, as part of the culture of Israel binds and connects various segments of people. Modern Israeli music has a global appeal as it is a fusion of the musical traditions of nearly 120 countries. With the Zionist settlement, Jewish immigrants started writing popular folk music. With the Zionist settlement, Jewish immigrants started writing popular folk music. In the beginning songs were imitated from melodies of German, Russian, or traditional Jewish folk music with new lyrics written in Hebrew. Starting in the early 1920's the Jewish settlers made conscious efforts to create a new Hebrew style of music. This new style incorporated Arabic and traditional Yemenite and eastern Jewish elements. A major role was played by the youth, labor and kibbutz movements in its musical development during the establishment of Israeli statehood. A music publishing house created by the national Labor Organization started the tradition of sing-along, a characteristic of modern Israeli culture. Israeli music also adored fusion music and Habrera Hativeet became famous for that. They were influenced by American Blues to African folk music and Hassidic songs. Recent Musicians like Chava Alberstein model them self after American singer-songwriters like Pate Seeger and Joan Baez. More recently hip-hop is on the upsurge. Folk songs, especially patriotic folk songs and songs discussing the longing for peace are also common.
Israel is also well known for its famous classical orchestras. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra managed of Zubin Mehta has a reputed worldwide. Of the numerous popular songs of Israel some are: l “Wild Flower” by Chava Alberstein
l “Days of Innocence” by Rita
l This Time Around", “A Man From Within,” “Can’t Sleep,” “Waiting For Mashiach,” by Shalom Hanoch
l “Ashes And Dust,” “Hurts But Less,” Your Blue Eyes,” by Yehuda Poliker
Israeli music is a source of sustenance for a vast majority of the population of Israel. It is the manifestation of the hurdles and the achievements of the State of Israel. So music in Israel reflects a spectrum of sound and taste and is thoroughly enjoyable.
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