A Tickle in the Heart

A Tickle in the Heart is a poignant 1996 documentary that takes its audience on an engrossing exploration into the world of traditional Yiddish music, the art form that once thrived among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The movie was directed by Stefan Schwietert and features two artists who previously brought life and soul to this almost lost music form, Max Epstein, and Julius Epstein along with Harriet Goldstein Darr.

The documentary traces the extraordinary musical journey of the Epstein Brothers - Max, Julius, and another sibling, Willie, who are among the venerable few klezmer musicians still alive from a bygone era. The Epstein brothers were born in Brooklyn to Jewish immigrants and heralded from a generation of artists who successfully transposed Yiddish folk tradition into contemporary American culture.

Max and Julius lead the audience throughout the film through their lives packed with music, recalling their youth when they played for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and sometimes more somber occasions in the Jewish community. Their craft and music, stemming from their Yiddish roots, had an immense influence over the New York music and theatre scenes, inspiring a chain of artists, including the renowned clarinetist Benny Goodman.

A Tickle in the Heart takes us back to the roots of the Epstein brothers, the thriving Jewish community of the early 20th century which left an enduring legacy in the world music and performing arts scene. The brothers relive their glory days, when the echo of the clarinet, the harmony of the fiddle, and the rhythm of the drums, all elements of the klezmer tradition, boomed in the streets of Brooklyn.

The movie did an outstanding job demonstrating the vitality of these living artists, capturing their stories of performances, and revisiting the sites where milestones of their music life occurred. This film holds a special interest for not only music lovers but for everyone who values the unique cultural and folk traditions that make up the diverse mosaic of human experience. It carefully records the brothers' passion and their joyous contribution to klezmer, all while reminding us to cherish such living treasures that firm the links to our past.

Their tour of their old neighborhood of Brooklyn breathes life into the vanished world of the bustling Jewish community, of a time when these streets were brimming with life and melodies. It takes us through theater marquees, radio stations, and concert stages where the Epsteins performed, clearly demonstrating the cultural vibrancy of this era.

This film is not just about the fond memories, but it also explores the renaissance of klezmer music. The encounter with the next generation of klezmer musicians and their fanning of the revival of this almost forgotten tradition testifies to the inspiring legacy of the Epstein Brothers. This magical blend of old and new creates a moving portrait of cultural heritage and rejuvenation, serving as a heartwarming homage to the timeless power of music.

The movie showcases the Epstein Brothers’ exceptional trip to Germany, where a young, enthusiastic crowd warmly welcomes them, showcasing the transcendence of their music, effortlessly crossing barriers and time zones, and finding its place within younger generations. This climax sequence brings home the power of music to heal, to connect, and to break boundaries.

A Tickle in the Heart is indeed a touching tribute to the Epstein Brothers' music, their lives, and the vanishing world they represent. This joyous and poignant celebration of Yiddish culture offers a nostalgic glance into a rich and vibrant world of music and tradition that continues to echo. Harriet Goldstein Darr performs crucial contextual storytelling and reflection throughout the film. The Epsteins' journey serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of their music, their culture, and their identity, forming a powerful thread in the complex fabric of humanity's cultural heritage.

For those with an interest in Jewish history, music history, or just those looking for a heartwarming, inspiring story, A Tickle in the Heart is an unforgettable exploration of the Epstein Brothers' music, capturing the spirit that even time could not silence. It offers a powerful reminder that, even in the face of change, certain traditions can live on in the hearts of those who refuse to let them fade.