Tshiribim
Kakafon, 2026
8/10
A collection of Yiddish songs for children, the actress and vocalist Anne Kalmering is joined by Miriam Oldenburg, Semmy Stahlhammer and Isabel Blommé for these pretty and cultured tracks.
The satirical song that embodies the poorer areas of East Europe, “Bulbes”, opens with Oldenburg’s animated accordion guiding the upbeat mood, and “Dire-Gelt” follows with Stahlhammer’s meticulous violin adding much to the traditional that discusses not being able to pay rent.
At the halfway point, “In Majn Shtetl” benefits much from Blommé’s rich cello amid Kalmering’s expressive voice that illuminates the poet Zalmen Rozenthal’s words, while “Lecha Dodi” comes with a heartfelt demeanor thanks to the stirring strings of the Hebrew prayer sung on the Sabbath.
Near the end, The 1955 children’s song by Noach Nachbush, “Di Frosh”, relies on playful vocals and frisky strings for the charming spirit, and “Bulbes v.2” exits with the colorful accordion alongside the distinct singing.
A gripping, educational and historical effort that touches on folk and Jewish classical ideas, Kalmering and company make for an enlightening and really fun listen.
Travels well with: The Klezmatics- We Were Made For These Times; Boiled In Lead- King Of The Dogwoods