NIGGUN

(pl.Niggunim)

Vocal music of the Hassids, who from their foundation by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1700–1760) considered singing an important spiritual aid. Ecstatic and often spontaneous, originating in 18th- and 19th-century Poland and Ukraine, {}niggunimmost often have no text, although there may be a brief phrase repeated incessantly. The melody may be popular, or freely invented; likewise a march-like or waltzmetermay obtain, or the music may be heavily ornamentedchant.

Also, Jewish melody type or model, suitable forcontrafacta.