The Klezmer Playbook is a collection of 50 traditional klezmer tunes respectfully transcribed from historical sources and carefully arranged, with professionally recorded
playalongs for digital download. The book is available in six versions, suitable for all instruments.
The melodies in this book are popular tunes played at klezmer jam sessions around the world. They are simplified for ease of reading, written with only a few indications of articulation, phrasing
and ornamentation. We have selected the tunes to include the most common dance and non-dance styles (khosidl, freylekh, bulgar, zhok/hora, waltz, honga, patsh tants, terkisher, dobriden) and
ensured all the typical klezmer modes and keys are well represented. Also included are some useful worksheets on modes, accompaniment rhythms and chords as well as links to resources.
The Klezmer Playbook is available in six different editions, so you can play these tunes with every member of your ensemble. You just need the right book for your instrument!
“This is a brilliant collection of tunes, and a great resource for klezmer sessions as there are so many classic tunes and the transcriptions and recordings are so clear and helpful. The playalong tracks are absolutely beautiful and it's really useful having the slower practice speed as well as the performance speed tracks.”
Adina Presman, Klezjammers
Have a look at the different editions of the book before you order – just scroll down on this page.
The playalongs, professionally recorded by Susi Evans (clarinet) and Szilvia Csaranko (piano), are a fun way to learn the tunes and beneficial to practising phrasing, style, rhythm and intonation. There are four playalong tracks for each tune in practise tempo, dance tempo and with and without melody.
*page in German - you'll need to enter the password that comes with the book, then press "anmelden"
You have the book? Join the KlezmerPlaybook CLUB!
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for C-instruments
(violin, flute, accordion etc.)
If you play an accompaniment instrument, scroll down to have a look at the Melody & Bass book.
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for Bb-instruments
(clarinet, trumpet, tenor/soprano saxophone etc.)
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for Eb-instruments
(alto saxophone, Eb-clarinet etc.)
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for viola
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for Cello
(Melody in bass clef with an extra accompaniment bass part, for instruments that prefer to read in bass-clef: cello, bassoon, trombone etc.)
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
Szilvia Csaranko & Susi Evans
Klezmer Playbook
50 traditional klezmer tunes for Melody & Bass
(like the C book, but with an extra double bass part. Useful for accompaniment instruments like piano, guitar, accordion, double bass etc.)
with playalongs for download
£ 35.00* + shipping (outside the UK)
order here
*according to §19 German UStG we don't charge any VAT on all prices on this page