Modes
The least used mode in Yiddish/klezmer music is the major mode. In minor, harmonic minor is used most frequently.
The three modes of Klezmer go by many names but are commonly known by their cantorial equivalents (prayers sung in these modes):
Ahava Raba (A Great Love)
Mi Sheberakh (He Who Blesses)
Adonoy Molokh (The Lord is King)
The three modes of Klezmer go by many names but are commonly known by their cantorial equivalents (prayers sung in these modes):
Ahava Raba (A Great Love)
Mi Sheberakh (He Who Blesses)
Adonoy Molokh (The Lord is King)
Ahava Raba
Commonly known as Freygish, or an altered Phrydgian, or melodic minor scale starting on the fifth scale degree.
It is known for its 3rd step being major creating a large step between scale degrees two and three. The 7th scale degree can be minor or major depending on the use.
Most pieces written in this mode are written in the minor four.
Commonly known as Freygish, or an altered Phrydgian, or melodic minor scale starting on the fifth scale degree.
It is known for its 3rd step being major creating a large step between scale degrees two and three. The 7th scale degree can be minor or major depending on the use.
Most pieces written in this mode are written in the minor four.
Mi Sheberakh
Also known as Av Harakhamim
Is similar to Ahava Raba in that they both have an augmented second. This one is between the 3rd and 4th scale degrees. This mode is similar to Dorian or the Western Blues Scale.
Also known as Av Harakhamim
Is similar to Ahava Raba in that they both have an augmented second. This one is between the 3rd and 4th scale degrees. This mode is similar to Dorian or the Western Blues Scale.
Adonoy Molokh
Is similar to Mixolydian. It is essentially a major scale, except for the 7th note, which is lowered. This creates a minor five chord, except when the five is used as a leading tone, in which case it becomes major.
Is similar to Mixolydian. It is essentially a major scale, except for the 7th note, which is lowered. This creates a minor five chord, except when the five is used as a leading tone, in which case it becomes major.