“Hejre Kati” – Toscha Seidel (1919)

Hungarian violinist and composer Jenö Hubay composed “Hejre Kati” (literally “Hey, Katie”) in the 1880s. Here we have an early recording of the composition on a one-sided 12″ Columbia disc performed by Violinist Toscha Seidel in 1919.

Lest you think me mad for the inclusion of this classical recording on the channel, stay with me, dear reader, as I shall connect it in short order to the realm of jazz.

But first, listen, and appreciate this record, whose first 70 seconds begin with long flowing lyrical bowing before picking up to a sprightly pace.

You see, the composer, Mr. Hubay, was still teaching in Budapest when American jazz violinist Eddie South was touring Europe from 1928 – 1931.

For the rest of the story – watch my next video at:
https://youtu.be/RhORBC_ztmo

Recorded in New York City on May 7, 1919.
Released as Columbia 49630.

Credits:
Toscha Seidel – violin
Louis Gruenberg – piano

Sources:
https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/matrix/detail/2000143993/49630-Scenes_from_the_csarda