“Reite, kleiner Reiter!“ ... Schuricke-Terzett / Original Glorias / Chanteur sans Nom (1940-1943)

“Reite kleiner Reiter !“ is a 1940 hit song composed by Ralph Maria Siegel which became famous in the version Zarah Leander recorded for Odeon. It combines a traditional Russian melody with an up-tempo jazzy arrangement. The song tells the story of Ivan - a Cossack - who chases Olga - the girl he loves who is sailing down the Wolga river ... Today’s video features three different versions recorded between 1940 and 1943. The first version featured in this video was recorded by the accordionist and composer Heinz Munsonius with excellent vocals by the Schuricke-Terzett. It is a very light arrangement which shows the Munsonius orchestra to its advantage. The second version features the all female Original Glorias accordion orchestra headed by Swedish born Gloria Lilienborn. The orchestra toured throughout Europe from the mid-1930s onwards and recorded for Electrola between 1940 and 1941/42 (roughly). The Original Glorias were so popular that they appeared in the movies “Polterabend“ (1940), “Ein Mann auf Abwegen“ (1940) and “Familienanschluss“ (1941). Their best known recording is “Lass mich heut’ abend nicht allein“ from the latter movie. Gloria Lilienborn seems to have disappeared into obscurity rather quickly and very little is known of her. Compared to the Munsonius version this one is much more up-tempo and the clarinet adds a very jazzy element to the arrangement. The final record is a French version called “Vole, Cavalier Fidèle!“ recorded in Brussels in 1943 by the French singer Le Chanteur Sans Nom (Lit. The Singer with no name). Roland Avellis was the real name of this colourful singer who made a large number of recordings in Belgium for Rythme and Olympia between 1942 and 1945. The French translation of “Reite, kleiner Reiter!“ is probably due to Zarah Leander’s popularity. I have knowledge of three French versions : one by the singer Yane Granier for Polydor (unfortunately not part of my collection), one by André Dassary for Pathé which is in my channel ( ) and the one by Le Chanteur Sans Nom. At 1:50 minutes it is the shortest version of the song. As with all wartime Belgian 78rpms the quality is not great... About the records : “Reite, kleiner Reiter!“ Heinz Munsonius und seine Solisten Gesang : Schuricke-Terzett Imperial 17315 / mx. 28 414 Berlin, August 1940 ******************************************************************* “Reite, kleiner Reiter!“ Original Glorias Gesang : Gloria Lilienborn Electrola E.G. 7154 / mx. 0RA 4865-I Berlin, 1941 ******************************************************************* “Vole Cavalier Fidèle“ Le Chanteur Sans Nom V.O. Ursmar & Son Orchestre Rythme C 2140 R /mx. 16591 Brussels, May 1943