Kletzmer is evidence of over- education- the Germans would pronounce the Z that way. But it's Yiddish, which has different spelling, and it's definitely a soft buzzy Z. Evidence is in the way they spell things that do have the -ts in, like Hora mit Tsibleles (Hora with onions), tants Tants Yidelekh (Dance Little Jew), and from the surname Klessmer (which appears in George Eliot's novel Daniel Deronda).

Scales, Jack: it's fairly widely accepted that there was a great deal of crossover between cantorial and secular music, and many of the tune titles reflect the religious connection, like Brandwein's "Fun Tashlikh", or "Devotedly Buoyant at Mt. Abos", but another important influence was Hassidic music, which derives from both Synagogue music and the surrounding secular culture.

It was embedded in the wedding tradition- the musicians setting the scene the religious parts of the wedding with solemn or joyful music as befitted the moment. "Wedding Without a Bride" by Budowitz (note the spelling) is an excellent, well researched evocation of the atmosphere.

Having said that, welcome aboard Gary. I'm afraid the Manchester Klezmer organisation has been a bit quiet for the last couple of years, following the demise of the monthly New Mills session, but there's talk of a revival in the New Year. If you are withing striking distance of Manchester, PM me and I'll arrange for you to be kept informed. We may be arranging something sporadic here in Derbyshire too, as the local landlord is becoming quite keen, but it's early days yet.

the Complete Klezmer is a good book to start with, and it has an accompanying tape/ CD available.