A Well in the Field

Born in Petaḥ Tikvah, Emanuel Zamir became a founding figure in the sphere of Hebrew folk song. He began his musical career during his service in the Israel Defense Forces, where he helped organize an orchestra and several smaller bands. In the 1950s, he adapted this approach to civilian life, traveling the country and establishing singing groups. On his tours throughout the country, Zamir drew inspiration from Arab and Bedouin communities he visited, imitating the melodies and instrumentations he heard and composing songs with his own poetry. His music became widely popular, the lyrics to his songs remarkable for their lofty, biblically inspired register and pastoral imagery.