Zdad, if we’re getting technical here then klezmer music is not totally, exclusively, authentic Jewish music. First of all it only belongs to Ashkenazi Jews, and not even all Ashkenazim. Its roots are in Eastern Europe and it’s heavily influenced by gypsy (I believe they prefer to be called Roma today) music. Our real music is, as we all know, the music of the Leviim. There is a niggun I’ve heard (in some Kehillos it’s used on Yom Kippur) that some say was sung in the Bais Hamikdash. No idea if this is factual. But klezmer music has as much a right to call itself authentic Jewish music as many non-klezmer niggunim composed by Jews. Maybe less. Because while we are always somewhat influenced by our surrounding culture, the influence is sometimes less pronounced. I’d choose the Baal Shem Tov’s niggun over klezmer if I wanted a Jewish sound. And I’m sure 10 other Jews would choose ten different compositions.
Hatikvah, anyone? (Yes, bit of plagiarism in there too…)
And I’ve been waiting for someone to mention Yerushalayim Shel Zahav.
Or Shlomo Carlebach.
Or (should I put in “lehavdil”?) the music of the Chassidic court of their choice.
Can we all at least agree that listening to Arba Bavot does not evoke the same feelings as, Lehavdil Elef Alfei Havdalos, listening to eminem.