Complete Introduction to the Balalaika

The Balalaika is a European-Asian stringed instrument with a long neck, several strings, and a playing technique using a plectrum struck by the index finger. Historically, the first mention of this instrument appeared in 1668 in Moscow. Balalaikas come in various body shapes, including triangular and oval, and with different string counts and movable frets. The instrument was primarily used for playing dance music.

The popularity of the traditional Balalaika increased in the late 18th century, and foreign travelers reported seeing a Balalaika in every household. Although it is mentioned in works by authors like Leo Tolstoy, Nikolai Gogol, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and others, its widespread use did not occur until the 19th century. Likely originating from the Tatars, it was used to a lesser extent by Ukrainians, Gypsies, Belarusians, and similar minority groups.

The modern Balalaika, as we know it today, was developed in the 1880s by Vasily Andreyev. His design for the instrument included a standard triangular-shaped, chromatic Balalaika with three strings and fixed metal frets, along with other innovations. Andreyev also developed the idea of creating an orchestra of Balalaikas in various sizes, and he revived the Domra, an instrument that had long been forgotten. The Domra was a favorite of the Skomorokhi, the traveling performers.

Modern Balalaikas are a combination of elements from folk, pop, and classical music, and they are primarily taught in music schools at conservatories of fine arts. In addition to being used in orchestras and traditional groups, the Balalaika has many fans among the inhabitants of Russia and the Caucasus region. The instrument's repertoire includes piano pieces, chamber music, numerous concertos with symphony orchestras, and occasional appearances in opera. Throughout much of its history, the Balalaika has been a symbol of traditional Russian culture.

The Balalaika is a string instrument from the lute family. It originated in the 18th century, inspired by the Dombra or Domra, a type of lute with a circular body, a long neck, and three strings, traditionally played in Russia and Central Asia. Balalaikas come in six different sizes, from piccolo to double bass, with a flat back and a triangular table or belly that tapers toward the neck. The three strings, often made of gut, are tied at the end and stretched over a bridge similar to that of a violin or pressure bridge. Typically, the strings are plucked with the fingers, and the metal strings are also plucked with a leather plectrum.

Although primarily used in folk music, the Balalaika is also featured in large orchestras in the 20th century. The standard size of the instrument, called "prime" or "treble," is typically tuned to E-E-A in the octave above middle C.

History and Origins of the Balalaika

The exact origin of the Balalaika, like many traditional instruments, is unclear. However, it seems to have evolved from the "Dorma," a traditional instrument from the Caucasus. Additionally, early Balalaikas likely resembled the Mongolian "Tapsur" and the Kazakh "Dombra."

According to historical records, the Balalaika was created in the 18th century, inspired by older Russian instruments. It comes in six different sizes, from piccolo to contrabass.

While the Balalaika is a traditional Russian instrument, it bears a striking resemblance to many East Asian stringed instruments, such as the Dombra and Tanbura. By the 1500s, it was played by Russian jesters and minstrels while singing satirical songs about the rulers and the Orthodox Church.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the earliest known documentation of the Balalaika dates back to a letter of arrest from 1688, which shows that the church attempted to ban traditional music altogether. However, the church was unsuccessful, and the popularity of the Balalaika, especially among the lower and middle classes, has only grown since.

By the late 1800s, nearly every home in Russia had a Balalaika, making the instrument's history comparable to that of the "banjo" in America.

Features of the Balalaika

Modern Balalaikas are the result of the efforts of Russian musician Vasily Andreyev. In the 1880s, the Balalaika with a triangular body, chromatic tuning, three strings, and metal frets became the standard design for the instrument.

Andreyev also proposed the idea of forming an orchestra of Balalaikas in various sizes and revived other Russian instruments like the "Domra," which had been forgotten.

The Balalaika is a popular instrument in various regions of Russia and the Caucasus and is professionally taught in music schools. Besides being used in folk and traditional Russian music groups, it is also featured in many chamber music pieces and symphony orchestras.

Types of Balalaikas

The Balalaika has a triangular body and three strings (sometimes six strings in three pairs). The strings are typically plucked with the fingers, though the instrument can also be played with a pick. The Balalaika comes in various sizes, ranging from small to large, including:

• Piccolo

• Prima

• Secunda

• Alto

• Bass

The most common Balalaika is the "Prima."

Modern Balalaika

The modern Balalaika is a composite instrument that incorporates elements of folk, pop, and classical music. It is taught primarily in music schools and conservatories of fine arts. In addition to its use in orchestras and traditional music groups, it has a large following among the residents of Russia and the Caucasus.