The balalaika is a traditional Russian instrument with a wooden triangle-shaped body and usually three strings. The balalaika is one of the most popular Russian symbols and is sometimes called a “Russian three-string guitar.”
One of the theories of the origin of the word ‘balalaika’ comes from the Russian verbs “балакать” or “балаболить” – “to babble” or “to jabber” as a way to describe the fun and easy character of this instrument.
Russian folk tale characters play this instrument: for example, bears or Ivan.
In 1888 eight musicians known as the “Circle of Balalaika Player Enthusiasts” presented their unique performance. The founder of the first Russian folk ensemble was Vasily Andreyev (currently known as the Andreyev Orchestra).
“Andreyev understood before many others that the unique, special timbre of the balalaika was inherently linked to Russian folk music and that with the aid of the balalaika and other Russian instruments he could save gem-like Russian songs from oblivion.“ (Mariinsky Theatre)
Listen to the 2023 Anniversary Concert performed by the Andreyev Orchestra.
Learn more about Russian culture in my engaging and highly efficient Russian Language online courses offered through the University of Victoria or private classes by your native Russian speaker and experienced tutor Galina.
