Michael Gelbart, a prominent cantor and composer of Yiddish melodies, died here today at the age of 73. He was for many years in charge of music programs at the Workmen’s Circle schools in this country.
Born in Poland, Mr. Gelbart became choir director of the largest synagogue in Lodz, Poland at the age of 16. He came to the United States in 1912, and served as cantor in various synagogues in this country before settling in New York. He was the author of numerous books of children’s melodies, and set to music many outstanding Yiddish poems. He also composed the music for a number of operettas and several children’s publications.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.