Jewish Folksongs, Vol. 1

Mark Olf (1905–1987) was a composer and singer of Yiddish and Hebrew songs. He emigrated from Russia to the U.S. with his family when he was in his early teens; he later recorded some of the songs he had heard as a child, toured the country performing, and taught music at the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side, Queens College (CUNY), and the University of Rhode Island. On this recording-–one of four he made for Folkways Records—he sings well-known Yiddish folk songs, accompanying himself on guitar. Yiddish, which incorporates German, Hebrew, and Slavic elements, was the primary secular language of the Jews in Eastern Europe. Liner notes provide English translations and the original Yiddish texts.

Track Listing

101	In an Orem Shtibele (In a Poor Little House)	Mark Olf	02:39
102	Hob Ich A Por Oksen (I Have A Pair of Oxen)	Mark Olf	01:44
103	Bulbe (Potatoes)	Mark Olf	01:36
104	Der Rebbe Elimelech (The Rabbi Elimelech)	Mark Olf	02:20
105	Oif'N Pripitchik (On the Oven)	Mark Olf	03:04
106	Rozhenkes Mit Mandlen (Raisins and Almonds)	Mark Olf	01:45
201	Dona Dona	Mark Olf	02:53
202	Vei Vos Fun Main Mantle Iz Gevoren (Alas What Has Become of My Coat)	Mark Olf	02:47
203	A Ganeyveh (A Robbery)	Mark Olf	01:57
204	Mariyashe	Mark Olf	02:51
205	Zlatke	Mark Olf	01:54
206	Tumba Tumba	Mark Olf	01:57