Majer Bogdanski 1912-2005

It is with great sadness that we reported the death of Majer Bogdanski the irrepressible and adorable Yiddish singer, composer and master tailor. His extraordinary life spanning most of the shattering 20th century in Europe, culminated in a flowering of his musical talents in London where he studied music only in his fifties.  He touched everyone when he sang Yiddish songs at the inauguration of the Jewish Music Institute at the University of London and performed and lectured at many JMI and other events.  Those who worked with him share with us some of their special memories. JMI and his friends hope have created a fund to help students study Yiddish at Ot Azoy! the JMI summer school in his memory and to perpetuate his goals. To donate to the fund go to the donate or pay button on the JMI homepage

Merlin Shepherd, Klezmer Clarinettist and teacher writes: ‘I had the pleasure of working with Majer on the recording of Wedding Without a Bride by Budowitz. He always had a sparkle in his eyes, a laugh waiting to spring forth. He had a unique talent not just for singing, story telling and sharing but also for listening. Hopefully his vast knowledge, his teaching and of his love of life will be passed on to all those who met him and loved him’.

Joan D Levin of Chicago, who has created opportunities to record, duplicate and distribute Majer’s wonderful compositions writes: ‘I met Majer in 2001 in London at Friends of Yiddish – those folk who have been meeting every Shabbes afternoon at Toynbee Hall in the East End since 1937 to enjoy a Yiddish poem or song. Majer was 89 then, but when he sang, I could hardly believe the strong and melodious tenor voice that emerged. Even more remarkable was that he had composed that lush musical setting for a Yiddish poem. 

‘This turned out to be but a small sample of the out-pouring of music that emerged from Majer’s pen. I learned how he had, in earlier days, captured on manuscript scores of nigunim of a threatened world and lodged these renderings at YIVO so that they would not be lost forever. He had produced literally hundreds of original musical settings for the works of countless Yiddish poets and had, similarly, donated these manuscripts to YIVO, as well as publishing some in his bound anthologies. Majer’s kindness, generosity of spirit, and devotion to Yiddishkayt throughout his long and productive life have earned him a secure place in our hearts’.  

You can purchase Majer’s CD Yidishe Lider from Jewish Music Distribution: orders@jewishmusic-jmd.co.uk