Recordings from the Estonian Folklore Archives 3

Otto Hiiop

Kristjan Joakit and Otto Hiiop at a recording session in Tallinn in 1937. Photo by P. Parikas. ERA, Foto 770.

Otto Hiiop (1865–1950) was born in Viljandimaa in the community of Patküla. However, he went to school in the community of Vaabina in Urvaste Parish, where he principally lived. Later he was to have a small farm there too. As a herder boy Otto Hiiop fashioned his first violin and by the time he was sixteen he was already a wedding musician. He had also organised a six-member orchestra consisting of violins and accordions. In 1937 the National Radio recorded Otto Hiiop playing with another violinist from Urvaste Parish, Kristjan Joakit.