GLOOMY SUNDAY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

gloomy sunday, composed by Rezső Seress in 1933 with lyrics by László Jávor, is known for its haunting melody and dramatic harmonic tension. The song became infamous for its deeply melancholic tone and lyrical content.

The first recording was by Rezső Seress in Budapest in 1933, capturing the song’s somber mood. Musically, it features a slow, 32-bar AABA structure with chromatic inflections that heighten emotional intensity.

Subsequent renditions by Billie Holiday and other jazz vocalists emphasized its mournful qualities. Lyrically, it expresses profound despair and longing, making it a compelling piece for reflective performance.