Itay Dayan / Hoffman's Farewell

Itay Dayan has become one of the most requested klezmer clarinetists in the Boston area. In 2024 he decided to pay tribute to one of the cornerstones of early American klezmer repertoire, Joseph Hoffman, whose transcriptions had recently been published by his great granddaughter, Susan Watts (intro by Boston klezmer of Philadelphia descent, Hankus Netsky).

From the delicious opener, "He's my lover bulgar" to the closing flourishes of "Final March," the music is old-fashioned, but fun—occasionally, as with "Out There" reminding us of the jazz that accompanied those wonderful early cartoons. The band is dexterous and versatile, as well, perfectly capturing the spirit of the melodies. Dayan shows off why he is so sought after, and the rest of the band is up to his standard.

Just as "The Hoffman Book" should be in every klezmer's portfolio, this recording is a perfect introduction as to how the music should sound!

Reviewed by Ari Davidow, 02-Sep-2026

Songlist

1. He's My Lover Bulgar 3:40
2. Autumn's Song 3:36
3. Out There 4:40
4. First March 3:29
5. Out of Nowhere 2:08
6. Hoffman's Farewell 3:54
7. Midnight Bulgar 4:24
8. Final March 4:24

All tunes composed by Joseph Hoffman, from The Hoffman Book: Joseph Hoffman Klezmer Collection (1927). Arranged by Itay Dayan.