The Klezmer Repertoire, Vol. 2: Saxophone in B-flat (Soprano or Tenor) Book

Curtis has done the scholarly work here, grounding these arrangements in actual 78rpm recordings rather than generic Klezmer pastiche. The chord symbols make this accessible to players who want to understand the harmonic language, while the stylistic specificity means your saxophonists are learning a real tradition, not a caricature. You get authentic repertoire that works as both a cultural resource and a genuinely enjoyable performance collection.

Warm, celebratory, and occasionally melancholic. These are the sounds of weddings, home gatherings, and the immigrant experience in early 20th century America. The melodies have a natural swing and ornamental quality that feels both familiar and distinctly rooted in Eastern European Jewish musical tradition.

Saxophonists who have moved past beginner etude books and want to engage with a specific cultural tradition at an interpretive level. This works for high school jazz programs, community bands, or private students exploring music beyond the classical canon.

• Study the recorded models if you can find them. Curtis based these on Brandwein and Tarras for a reason; hearing how those clarinetists approached ornamentation, rhythm, and phrasing will inform your interpretation far more than notation alone can capture.
• Embrace the flexibility in tempo and rhythm that Klezmer style demands. These pieces aren't metronomic; they breathe, rush, and hold back in ways that honor the dance and storytelling traditions they come from.
• Use the chord symbols to understand where you can add your own ornamentation or bending. Klezmer style invites personalization within the melodic framework Curtis provides.

Feature one of these pieces in a concert that explores cultural diversity in American music. They pair well with other diaspora traditions and offer a refreshing alternative to standard concert band or jazz band fare. Alternatively, use a few selections for a recital that celebrates musical immigration and fusion.

• Ornamentation and expressive phrasing within a melodic style
• Reading and interpreting chord symbols for improvisational flexibility
• Understanding stylistic and cultural context as a foundation for interpretation
• Rhythmic flexibility and swing feel specific to Klezmer tradition
• Tone production that balances articulation with sustained, singing quality