International holiday of populist musicians. International Balalaika Day

Wow, balalaika! Russian violin,
The laughter of a stream and the routine of rain,
The song is separation, the dance is smile,
And a completely boring need.

The information age does not spoil us with the sounds of live music. Here and there you can hear electronic melodies created using computer programs, and the instruments used are an electric guitar and a synthesizer. However, thanks to the Internet, you can download audio recordings of classical compositions and enjoy the eternal sounds of the harp, violin, flute, and piano. If you are not a fan of such masterpieces, try to plunge into folk motifs. One of the musical instruments that rules here is the balalaika. On June 23, a holiday dedicated to her is celebrated all over the world - Balalaika Day.

history of the holiday

In the register of official events of such an event as Balalaika Day, not provided. True, this situation in no way detracts from the importance of the holiday for lovers folk music– those individuals who cannot imagine their life without a cheerful musical instrument. Actually, thanks to the latter, Balalaika Day appeared. This happened 6 years ago, in 2008. The initiator of the first musical event was the president of the Russian club of folk musicians, Dmitry Belinsky. Thereby wonderful person, who is also an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation and director of the Russian Concert Quartet “Skaz”, Balalaika Day acquired annual status and united balalaika players from all over the world under his wing. Another name for a significant date is International holiday folk musicians, because it is they, these creative people, demonstrate to us, mere mortals, all the power and beauty of the range of sounds extracted from the strings of a specific musical instrument.

Balalaika Day is celebrated by both individual musicians and entire groups.. He is no stranger to self-taught balalaika players who strum the “three-string” in free time and for the soul. June 23 o significant date remembered in different parts of the world: in countries Latin America, on a sultry African continent, in the States, on the steppe expanses of Kazakhstan, in distant, green Australia, in prim Europe.

The very first Balalaika Day coincided with two specific events. First of all, June 23, 2008 marked exactly 125 years since Vasily Andreev, the musician who founded the first National Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments and its conductor, met the balalaika. And secondly, on this day balalaika players celebrated the 320th anniversary of the first mention of the musical instrument in historical documents. We can say that on July 23, 2008, the development process began modern game on a Russian folk instrument.

It is likely that someday the International Day of Folk Musicians will receive the title of official, at least in our country. In the meantime, the government does not see the need to include such a date in the register of public holidays, as representatives of the Ministry of Culture reported in a letter to the already mentioned Dmitry Belinsky in response to an attempt by an enthusiast to achieve justice for folk instrument.

History of the balalaika

The “three-string”, to which the inhabitants of our country have always shown special respect, has existed for more than one century. If you delve into history, it turns out that this instrument is not Russian at all. According to one version, the balalaika is the prototype of the dombra, the national instrument of the Kyrgyz-Kaisaks; according to another, the idea of ​​​​creating a musical “toy” was successfully borrowed from the Tatars. In any case, this is a very ancient attribute, because it was mentioned in Arab sources from 921: the author, the historian Ibn-Fatslan, describes in his work the spied funeral of a Russian prince in Volga Bulgaria.

Among traditional items The musical instrument “eine Laute” (from the point of view of A. Kotlyarovsky - actually, a balalaika) was also placed in the grave of its owner by his subjects. It is unknown how reliable this fact is, because domestic historians they name a completely different date of origin of the instrument - 1715, and are inclined to believe that its creators were peasants. From them, the balalaika fell into the hands of buffoons and spread thanks to folk merrymakers throughout the country.

However, the people's joy was short-lived. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, observing all this “disgrace,” ordered the destruction of any musical instruments, including the “three-stringed” one, and those who dared to disobey were flogged or even exiled to Little Russia. After the death of the ruler national instrument returned, but after some time he was banned again. Only in mid-19th century, the balalaika finally “joined” the ranks of domestic musical instruments. It turned out this way thanks to the nobleman Vasily Andreev, who accidentally heard the sounds of a “three-string” at his servant Antipas. And he liked this music so much that he decided to make the balalaika the most popular in Russia. Andreev succeeded - both young and old fell in love with the balalaika again.

Unfortunately, playing the Russian folk musical instrument has not received such relevance in our time. Regularly organized balalaika concerts are of interest only to a narrow circle of people. The names of famous modern balalaika musicians are known: Kuznetsova V.A., Zakharov D.A., Boldyreva V.B., Gorbachev A.A.

• Why was this peculiar musical instrument called so strangely - the balalaika? It turns out that initially its name sounded slightly different - balabaika. Expressions similar in meaning and verbal configuration: “to joke”, “to babble”. There are many words, but the meaning is the same - to talk about idle things. As a result, it turns out that this musical instrument is intended for fun and entertainment.
• The balalaika should be stored in a dry living area. Dampness causes the instrument to deteriorate and fail. It is strictly prohibited to ventilate the room where the balalaika is located when there is rain outside the window or simply high air humidity.
• The other side of the coin is hot and bright sunlight– is also undesirable. The fact is that under the influence of targeted heat, be it not even the daylight, but any source, for example, a heating system battery, the balalaika will certainly dry out, the body will burst, and it will become impossible to play on it.

• At one time, on the initiative of the nobleman Vasily Andreev, the same one who did a lot to popularize the balalaika, a whole clan of folk musical instruments was created, differing in size and, accordingly, sound. Two Russian masters were engaged in this: Nalimov and Paserbsky. The result of this creative union There were now seven types of balalaikas: piccolo, treble, prima, second, alto, bass, double bass. The Magnificent Seven made up fundamental basis Great Russian Orchestra.

Be happy, dear balalaika players! On Balalaika Day, I would like to wish you prosperity, inspiration and always good weather: what’s outside the window, what’s in the house, what’s in the soul!

The balalaika is an original Russian instrument and the most recognizable symbol of Russia, which enjoys well-deserved popularity not only among our compatriots, but is also revered by folk musicians from other parts of the planet. It is not surprising that the holiday in honor of the “three-string” is celebrated by its connoisseurs at the international level.

When is the bright day celebrated?

Balalaika Day is celebrated annually at the height of summer - June 23. Although the date is not included in the register of official events of the country, the holiday is still loved by the Russian people. Musical fraternity and enthusiasts who cannot imagine life without folk motifs, celebrate the event annually by organizing large-scale performances and taking part in concerts.

The date was first celebrated in 2008 at the instigation of Dmitry Belinsky, the president of the Russian club of folk musicians. Together with a team of enthusiasts, he had long planned to create a day when “balalaikas” from different corners countries. To achieve this, the team regularly wrote petitions to higher authorities so that Balalaika Day would be given the status of a nationally significant date.

When choosing the day of celebration, the honored artist was guided by facts historical document“Memory from the Streltsy order to the Little Russian order,” dated June 23, 1688. This document contains the first mention of the “three-string” in the context that “the archers arrested two peasants playing the balalaikas.”

The second reason for choosing the date was the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the day when the talented nobleman Vasily Andreev first became acquainted with a plucked string instrument. At the beginning of his career, he organized a “circle of lovers of playing the balalaika.” After the triumph at the World Exhibition in Paris, the tireless propagandist tirelessly improved his beloved instrument, gradually turning it into a luxurious beauty that captivated the whole world with the beauty of its sound and amazing timbre of sound.

Later, Andreev headed the first “Great Russian Orchestra of Folk Instruments” as a conductor. This memorable event essentially laid the foundation successful start development of the art of virtuoso playing on folk instruments that were popular at that time, allowing the balalaika to penetrate into the very depths of the masses.

Whose professional holiday is this?

The date of celebration was established to celebrate and respect creative activity folk musicians who make an invaluable contribution to the popularization of Russian culture. Today, almost every city in the country has ensembles and orchestras of Russian folk instruments.

On this day of summer, a professional holiday is celebrated by everyone who has anything to do with music in general:

• Professional creative teams;
• Self-taught balalaists;
• Master makers of folk instruments,
• Music students...

Balalaika Day is celebrated as professional artists those who are able to demonstrate all the beauty and power of the sound palette, and those who like to pluck the strings of an elegant instrument with a slightly curved triangular shape, “purely for the soul.”

The holiday brings together musicians from all over the world: Russia and Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, Australia and Latin America, the USA and South Africa. In Japan, an ensemble called “Tokyo Balalaika” was created. Despite the fact that its prototype is a Russian ensemble, members of the Tokyo orchestra can only be Japanese performers. In the USA, even an association of balalaika lovers is officially registered.

The interest of foreigners in an instrument that produces such a wonderful and transparent sound is reinforced by the fact that virtuosos, thanks to a wide tonal range, manage to play not only simple folk music, but also complex classical works with just three strings.

This is confirmed by the fact that D. Flynn’s book “How to Make a Balalaika” enjoyed fantastic popularity and was therefore reprinted a record 9 times.

Traditions of the folk holiday

For several days in anticipation of the date in many cities of the country in concert halls and musical educational institutions You can enjoy performances by experienced creative groups and young performers folk art. Those who wish these days can participate in master classes and learn the basics of playing the “three-string” under the guidance of professionals.

Museum workers organize thematic exhibitions for the memorable event. And musicians right on the city streets delight vacationers with virtuoso performances of folk melodies, which are so unusual to listen to against the backdrop of ultra-modern pop music.

On these days it is customary to arrange:

• Bright and fiery folk holidays;
• Organize craft fairs;
• Spend time in nature.

In honor of this holiday in Crimea, since 2011, a folk music festival with the sonorous name “Nuggets” has been organized annually. In the midst of June, musicians perform concerts. On the last evening of the festival, on the 23rd, a large-scale gala concert is held.

Initially, the plucked three-string instrument, the prototype of which was the Kyrgyz dombra, was called “balabaika”. According to one version, this name was given to it in imitation of the rattling of strings when extracting sounds during music game. According to another, the word comes from “joking” and “balabonit”, which in common vernacular means “to make idle calls” “and chat”.

In the skillful hands of the buffoons, the instrument coped with the task perfectly - it amused and entertained people. He was a constant companion of celebrations, weddings and celebrations. After all, in its sound one can hear the true Russian soul - sometimes thoughtful and sad, sometimes daring and irrepressible. Even sad melodies on this wonderful instrument with a transparent sound always turn out not so sad.

Great people loved to listen to this balalaika play: Tolstoy, Lermontov, Pushkin, Gurilev, Gorky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky.

It is noteworthy that times Tsarist Russia“three-string” was prohibited by the priests of the Orthodox Church. Balalaika players were even equated to robbers. Main argument such a decision - “it allows you to mock the authorities.” Those who dared to disobey were punished by exile to Little Russia. During the Soviet Union, this ban was lifted.

The oldest balalaika that has survived to this day is 120 years old. This exhibit serves as a decoration for the Ulyanovsk Museum.

Today the balalaika is not only an element of museum history and folk traditions, but a tool that responds to modern times and evolves. Therefore, the day dedicated to her will definitely not lose relevance for the next hundred years.

...Now the balalaika is dear to me
Yes, the drunken tramp of a trepak
In front of the threshold of the tavern.

A.S. Pushkin, "Onegin's Travels"

Of course, the balalaika. Let us remember the well-known folk song “There was a birch tree in the field.” There are these words there: “I will make three whistles from a birch tree, and the fourth - a balalaika.”

Sergey Zimin "To the fair", 2010

Our brother Isaika is a balalaika without strings.
In words - like on the gusli, in deeds - like on the balalaika.

Like this balalaika
I hang flowers
So that this balalaika
Played about love.

Yuri Korchagin "Wandering Musicians" 1983

Balalaika, copper strings,
Something has become dusty,
Have a drink or something for conversation?
Oh, how it has accumulated.

The balalaika started playing
“Tryndi-bryn” began to jingle,
Well, let's pour it
Tea with caramel!

Somehow I'm tired of something
I should have tea with you,
Balalaika fogged up
Should I start drinking vodka?

I decorated the balalaika
Stars, sparkles,
Uncle Vasya got attached,
Like, play Tchaikovsky.

Pavel Malov

Don't be afraid of the fire
Don't walk away
Ah, be jealous of me
Only for sonorous strings.

I've walked around the whole world
With a flying song,
And I came to tell you
Just in case, I:

Maybe you like it
The role of my mistress?
I'll give you my whole life,
Except for the balalaika.
At my girlfriend's
There are dreams in the strings.
I walk with her
To go on a date with my sweetheart.

Play, play, balalaika,
A star hangs over the forest.
Ah, balalaika, balalaika, balalaika -
Russia's amazing daughter!

The idea of ​​the holiday came from the president of the Russian Club of Populist Musicians, Dmitry Belinsky.

Another mention of the balalaika dates back to October 1700 in connection with a fight that took place in Verkhoturye district. According to the testimony of the coachmen Pronka and Alexei Bayanov, the courtyard man of the steward of the governor K.P. Kozlov, I. Pashkov, chased them and “beat them with a balalaika.”

Igor Sidorov "Semyon"

Vera Vataga "At the Samovar", 2007

The Russian folk instrument was repeatedly heard in the apartments of the imperial palaces (for example, balalaika numbers were included in the celebrations on the occasion of the coronation of Catherine II; the Oryol landowner incognito played folk songs and tunes at the court of Nicholas I; according to the historian N. Eidelman, Paul I himself played the balalaika). In Amsterdam, even Elector Sophia of Hanover danced to it with her daughter Sophia Charlotte, Elector of Brandenburg, and her son, Crown Prince George Louis, the august heir to the English throne...

Once the famous balalaika player Boris Troyanovsky came to Leo Tolstoy in Yasnaya Polyana, they had an interesting conversation, recorded by the writer’s secretary D.P. Makovitsky: “...In the breaks between playing, they had conversations, Lev Nikolaevich said that there are advantages of the violin and voices are the advantages of the balalaika. In the violin and voice there is tone, the main thing is to get to the very point of tone; in the balalaika - technique and rhythm. Then Lev Nikolaevich noticed to Troyanovsky that in his transcriptions of Russian songs on the balalaika - for example, “The Lady” - there is a change in tempo, and this violates the character. To this we played “Beer Berry” again. When they played “The Moon Is Shining,” Lev Nikolaevich beamed with a smile...”

TO early XIX century includes a composition for balalaika - variations on a Russian theme folk song“The Elnik, My Elnik”, written by a great lover of the balalaika, the famous opera singer of the Mariinsky Theater N.V. Lavrov. Variations published on French and dedicated […] to composer A.A. Alyabyev. On title page The publication indicates that the work was written for a three-string balalaika, which indicates the wide popularity of the three-string instrument at that time." Thus, the work of N.V. Lavrov is so far the first original piece of the written tradition in the history of the balalaika.

In the Ukrainian language the word is first attested in diary entries early XVIII century, telling about “a Tatar playing a balabaika.” This form of “balabaika” is also present in southern Russian dialects and Belarusian language. The very name of the instrument is curious, typically folk, the sound of syllable combinations conveying the nature of playing it. The root of the words “balalaika”, or, as it was also called, “balabaika”, has long attracted the attention of researchers due to its kinship with such Russian words as balakat, balabonit, balabolit, balagurit, which means “to talk about something insignificant, chatter, razzle-dazzle, empty ringing, scribbled" (go back to the common Slavic *bolbol of the same meaning, compare the similar onomatopoeia barbarian). All these concepts, complementing each other, convey the essence of the balalaika - a light, funny, “strumming”, not very serious instrument.

There is no unambiguous point of view on the origin of the balalaika. It is believed that the balalaika has become widespread since the end of the 17th century. Possibly comes from Asian domra. According to M.I. Imkhanitsky, the balalaika came to folk life to replace the disappeared domra: “The people needed a plucked string instrument and, above all, to accompany dance music. They needed a tambour-shaped string instrument with a ringing, rhythmically accurate sound that encourages dancing. And most importantly, the instrument was as simple as possible to make […]. Balalaika XVII - XVIII centuries was nothing more than a folklore version of a professional instrument - the domra […]. It was in the amateur essence of making the balalaika, the conditions of its existence, that the attitude towards it lay: it became an attribute of frivolous performance, buffoonery. V.V. Andreev has been fighting hard for a long time.” Another version of how the balalaika appeared is interesting: “...When the sitar was brought to us from India, this instrument was not widely used at first. Large, inconvenient, 18 strings. But over time, our craftsmen it has been improved. Firstly, we reduced the size for ease of wearing under a sheepskin coat in winter frosts. Secondly, a lot of unnecessary strings were removed. It became possible to tune quickly while getting a hangover. Those who did not have time to recover from a hangover came up with the “shaky hand” style of play. And to make it more convenient to fight at a dance club, they invented 2 sharp corners. This is how the balalaika appeared." Among the people, the balalaika came into use after, by the decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich “On the correction of morals and the destruction of superstitions,” all Russian folk musical instruments were destroyed: domras, harps, pipes and pipes...

It was “a long two-stringed instrument, had a body about one and a half spans in length (about 27 cm) and one span in width (about 18 cm) and a neck (neck) at least four times longer” (M. Guthrie, “ Dissertation on Russian antiquities").

Great Ukrainian writer Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol says that they used “...Moldovan pumpkins, called gourds, from which they make balalaikas in Rus', two-stringed light balalaikas, the beauty and fun of an agile twenty-year-old guy...”

For more than a century and a half, the balalaika occupied a worthy place in the life of Russian people, brightening up their difficult fate. It was in tune with its time, replacing the harp, whistle, and bagpipes, subsequently losing its position first to the guitar and then to the harmonica. “The development of harmonium production is interesting in the same way as the process of ousting primitive folk instruments and the process of creating a wide, national market; without such a market there could not be a detailed division of labor, and the cheapness of the product would not be achieved. Thanks to the cheapness of harmonies, the primitive stringed folk musical instrument was almost universally replaced - balalaika" (Lenin V.I. Complete collected works. 5th ed. T.18 - M., 1961. - P.158).

There is a legend that Vasily Vasilyevich designed an improved concert balalaika and brought his drawings to the famous St. Petersburg violin maker V.V. Ivanov. Ivanov felt insulted and flatly refused to make a “peasant balalaika.” Then Andreev took out his old balalaika, bought at the market for 35 kopecks, and masterfully played a folk song on it. Ivanov gave up, but agreed to make the balalaika only under conditions of complete secrecy. It was with this concert balalaika that Vasily Andreev captivated the St. Petersburg audience. Two years later, Andreev created the “Circle of Balalaika Lovers,” which later turned into the “Great Russian Orchestra” - the first orchestra of Russian folk instruments that gained worldwide fame.

In the 70s, according to Andreev’s drawings, St. Petersburg music master F.S. Paserbsky created the chromatic balalaika prima and its varieties. In his hands, the balalaika acquired the form in which it has survived to this day. The family of balalaikas made by F. Paserbsky (piccolo, primu, alto, tenor, bass, double bass) became the basis of the Russian folk orchestra. Later, F. Paserbsky received a patent in Germany for the invention of the balalaika.

When the Greek created the harp, he thought about a woman.
When the Italian master created a violin, he thought about a woman.
When the Spanish master created a guitar, he thought about a woman.
What was the Russian master thinking about when creating the balalaika?

Diego Rivera Still-Life with Balalaika. 1913

V.V. Andreev

It got to the point that in other countries (England, USA, Germany) orchestras of Russian folk instruments were created based on the Great Russian model. In the USA, a “Joint Stock Company for the Exploitation of Balalaikas and Gusli” even appeared.

Before Andreev turned the balalaika into a concert instrument, it did not have a constant, widespread system. Each performer tuned the instrument in accordance with his manner of performance, the general mood of the pieces being played, and local traditions.

According to the annex to the staff of military units, adopted back in the 1990s and still in force, every company leisure room should have musical instruments, which in practice have not been available anywhere for a long time. However, inspectors can always punish commanders for failure to comply with a directive if they wish.

The Main Organizational and Mobilization Directorate (GOMU) of the Ministry of Defense stated that following the results of the 2012 training year, hundreds of proposals were received from assistant unit commanders for working with personnel to cancel outdated applications: “In the end school year, and this is November–December, brigade commanders, their deputies, including personnel assistants, as well as heads of military branches and services are required to submit proposals for optimizing the staff of brigades and their units. This time there are especially many complaints about balalaikas with domras.”

It is curious that even army historians find it difficult to say when and why balalaikas and domras appeared in applications. Most likely, this clause in the appendices to the state serves as a means of keeping unwanted officers on a short leash.

Girls also love the balalaika:

Bogdanov-Belsky Nikolai Petrovich. Village friends.

Istvan Macsai, Woman with balalaika

Kevin Beilfuss "Girl with a Balalaika"

Rurik Vasilievich Tushkin "At the samovar" 1991

Lyapkalo Victor. Musical lady with balalaika

Ukrainian TV presenter and singer Vesta Sennaya

crazy girls from the craziest Norwegian group"Katzenjammer".

There is another version of this cocktail. In a wide vodka glass without a stem, combine cognac and vodka (1:1), filling ¾ of its volume. Place the filled glass in a cup or other container with hot water so that the edges of the glass are several millimeters higher than the edges of the cup. Leave for a few minutes to warm up, covering the glass with lemon. Light the alcohol vapor in the glass for a few seconds, then cover it with your hand. Due to the rapid cooling of the vapor, the glass sticks to the hand. Take it out of the cup, drink the cocktail in one gulp, and bite with lemon. Cocktail Balalaika – alcoholic drink based on heated cognac and vodka. Quite a strong, bright, truly masculine drink, interesting in its method of preparation and consumption. And fans of “Balalaika” informally call themselves “the brotherhood of the ring” because of the ring burn on the palm from a burning glass.

Balalaika is a unique musical instrument, which is an important sacred attribute of the Russian people. It appeared several centuries ago and today is very popular along with accordion and harp. Every year all fans of the three-stringed instrument celebrate a holiday dedicated to it. The event was established to respect the work, creativity and skill of folk musicians who make a significant contribution to Russian culture. Important date is unchanged and falls on June 23. Celebrate her professional musicians, composers and ordinary lovers of string music.

history of the holiday

The holiday dedicated to the balalaika is not officially established. It is dedicated to the 320th anniversary of the invention of this instrument. The event is international in nature. The celebration was invented by enthusiastic musicians. The latter repeatedly sent petitions to government bodies on assigning official status to Balalaika Day. The author of the idea of ​​​​unifying balalaikas is Dmitry Belinsky, who is former leader club of folk musicians from the Russian Federation.

The honored artist founded this club in 1992. The day of celebration was chosen for a reason. The first mention of the instrument in historical writings dates back to June 23, 1688. Balalaika Day was first celebrated in 2008. Since 2010, the folk music festival “Nuggets” has been held in Crimea in honor of this magnificent celebration.

The holiday turned out to be associated with 2 “balalaika” anniversaries: the 320th anniversary of the first documentary mention of the instrument and the 125th anniversary of the first acquaintance with the balalaika by the musician, creator and conductor of the National Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments Vasily Andreev. In fact, this event gave rise to the development of the art of playing folk instruments in a form familiar to modern viewers and listeners.

The main function of the balalaika is to entertain and lift the spirits of others. This instrument is actively used as an accompaniment for ditties and jokes. For your information, he is mentioned several times in fiction and songs. Beautiful poems are written about the balalaika. She is depicted in numerous paintings.

Have you ever heard of such a holiday as Balalaika Day? It exists, even if unofficially, and is celebrated in Russia today, June 23. Despite the fact that the balalaika is considered a native Russian instrument, this date is also celebrated abroad.

In Russia, Balalaika Day began to be celebrated in 2008, and this idea was proposed by Dmitry Belinsky, Honored Artist of Russia, President of the Populist Musicians Club and virtuoso balalaika player.

The earliest documentary mention of the balalaika dates back to 1688.

Balalaika Day was first celebrated in 2008. This day marks 320 years since the first documentary mention of this instrument, as well as 125 years since it fell into the hands of the great master - Vasily Andreev, a young Russian nobleman who was not indifferent to Russian music and Russian culture.

In the 2nd half of the 80s of the 19th century, Andreev created a circle that united those who loved to play the balalaika - then a whole orchestra grew out of this circle. Before this, the world knew almost nothing about the balalaika, but in 1889 Andreev’s circle performed in Paris, at the World Exhibition, and received recognition and unprecedented success. In fact, this event marked the beginning of the development of the art of playing folk instruments in the form in which it is now familiar to us.

The popularity of the balalaika in Russia grew quickly, and real great musicians, talented and virtuoso balalaika performers emerged from among the people. This is all the more surprising because the design of the instrument is extremely simple: XVIII-XIX centuries You could buy a balalaika in any shop, and making one yourself, with a little effort, was also not difficult - that’s why the balalaika became so widespread among the people.

The instrument acquired its modern appearance thanks to the musician-educator V. Andreev and masters V. Ivanov, F. Paserbsky and S. Nalimov. And it came from the Asian dombra - a stringed musical instrument that is used Turkic peoples and residents of Central Asia.

The balalaika became widespread in the 18th century: buffoons and shepherds were good at it. But the balalaika has retained its popularity today. She became a solo, concert, ensemble and orchestral instrument, which comes to life in the hands of modern virtuoso balalaika players such as Mikhail Rozhkov or Alexey Arkhipovsky.

Today, playing the balalaika is taught in academic music schools in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

“The Three-Stringed Enchantress” can be used to process folk songs, arrange classical works and creating original music.

Balalaika Day is celebrated by professional performers playing various Russian folk musical instruments, creative groups, just amateurs, folk musicians from Europe, Latin America, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and, of course, Russia.

Since 2010, the folk music festival “Nuggets” has been held in Crimea in honor of the holiday. During the week before June 23, performances by folk musicians are organized here.

It is possible that in your city there are lovers and admirers of this folk instrument, hurry to their concert today!

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