Goldfaden, Abraham
(1840–1908)
Goldfaden, Abraham (1840, Staro Konstantinov; 1908, NY). Yiddish poet, dramatist, and comp.; is considered the “father” of the professional Yiddish theater. Wrote some 60 plays, for which he furnished tunes adapted from synagogue chants, folk songs, Italian and French operas, and other sources. Among his notable productions are Shulamis (1880), a romantic operetta, and Bar Kochba (1887), a musical recounting the final revolt of the Jews against the Romans. His music to The Witch was rearranged…