Klezmer clarinet
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Although the Krakow district of Kazimierz, for centuries a separate Jewish town, reigns over all places related with Jews, Malopolska abounds in former sztetlech, some of which, like Bobowa, due to their schools, synagogues and eminent members of the Chassidic movement, forever remain part of history of Jewish culture and religiousness. Music is the most popular part of this culture today, as it speaks to everyone, regardless of their knowledge of Jews. The clarinet is one of its most traditional instruments; however, contemporary Jewish music takes on various sound forms, such as jazz and even rock. Kazimierz, a fantastic district full of bars and colourful tenements, is again its European capital. Once again we can meet Chassids with their black coats, hats and sidelocks (even if just visiting, they feel at home here); tourists also wear yarmulkes which they forgot to take off after leaving one of the synagogues, and crowds of multi-lingual guests enjoy themselves most by listening to the sounds of klezmer music.