Egon Kaiser (1901-82) is rthe featured musician in this video. After his studies he worked for the Berlin Staatsoper and the Metropol Theater before joining the Berlin Philarmonic. In 1929 he founded his own orchestra and made a numerous recordings.
"Wenn die Sonja russisch tanzt" is perhaps best known as a song by the Comedian Harmonists. Kaiser recorded his version in 1934 with vocals by Erwin Hartung. I really love the tempo and use of instruments in this version. Incredibly this is the B-side but deserves the be the A-side and is featured as such. The record is in mint condition but starts to whistle near the end. This is not un uncommon feature of Polydor records of the early 1930s. All my Ben Berlin records whistle without exception.
About the record :
Polydor
25 484B /mx. 5684 1/2 GR
Berlin, 1934
The video features another of Berlin famous pre-War hotels : the Central-Hotel and its famous "Wintergarten" music-hall. The massive hotel was built as a grand hotel in 1880/81 and located directly across the Friedrichstrasse station. At the beginning of the 20th century it featured 500 rooms and a number of restaurants and bars. While the hotel never achieved the status of the Kaiserhof, the Adlon, Esplanade or Bristol hotels it was famous for its Wintergarten music-hall which featured a starlit ceiling. The hotel and music-hall were destroyed beyond repair in 1944.
"All I do is dream of you" is the A-side of this record. The song was featured in the Joan Crawford movie "Sadie McKee" and is a classic song from Hollywood's golden age. These days the best known version is perhaps the one featured in "Singing in the Rain". Kaiser's recording has German lyrics by Charles Amberg with vocals by Max Mensing.
About the record:
Polydor
25 484A / mx. 5682 1/2 GR
Berlin, 1934
The video features magazine covers of famous actresses of the 1930s.
6 сен 2024
