Russian Instruments

Russia has a long history of folk music, with folk songs being the most common form. Singing was an important part of daily life for most Russian peasants. They often sang throughout the day, whether working, for fun, or at church. These songs were about the seasons, the weather, and significant events in people’s lives. In many Russian villages the church was one of the main centers of activity. In Russian Orthodox worship services much of the service is sung without instruments and feature a distinctive, rich chant style. Outside of church, most people sang with a vocal style called a “white sound” or “white voice.” This type of singing is used by many folk choirs and groups in Russia and surrounding countries. To sing in this style, the person uses an open throat and some people compare it to controlled screaming. It creates a bright, clear sound that is very intense. Other common aspects of Russian folk songs are repeated syllables such as “ahy luli luli lui,” whistling, and exclamations such as “opa.”

In the Soviet Union, folk music was especially important since it was considered an art form for the people, especially the working classes. The government spent a lot of money to support music. However, some people thought the folk music became too professional, especially since the most popular performers and singers were required by the government to learn western music notation and specific repertoire. Folk music was often divided into different categories. Authentic music was closely tied to village life and the most traditional of all the forms. Because of the influence of the government, a lot of this true, authentic Russian folk music was lost. “Folkloric” music was based on traditional songs and forms but was often arranged and changed to be performed by more professional groups. Most of this music was accepted as “authentically Russian” and does have its basis in authentic forms, although they have been refined for performance. Artistic folklore music was music written by professional composers and those in academic settings that use folk music simply as an inspiration without any real folk elements utilized in the compositions.

Instrumental music was banned in Russia for a long time. In 1648, Tsar Alexis I banned certain musical instruments, perhaps because some skomorokhs, a type of Russian entertainer, were singing disrespectful songs about the Tsar using instrumental accompaniment. Because of the ban, there was no instrumental music in Russia for many years. Russian Orthodox churches do not use musical instruments either. So, most common Russians would not have heard much instrumental music. However, in the late 19th century, Vasily Andreyev, a violinist, began playing a balalaika, a traditional Russian string instrument. His music became popular and he formed a club of balalaika players who then formed an orchestra. There was a resurgence in interest in the instrument which began to be closely associated with Russian music.

Balalaika: a three-stringed, triangular instrument which comes in a variety of sizes, usually two of the three strings are tuned to the same note.

A gudok or hudok is a three-stringed bowed instrument

A gusli is one of the oldest Russian instruments, described by the Greeks in the 6th century. It is a harp that comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The bayan and garmon are two types of button accordions

Various percussion instruments are used as well, including tambourine, wood block, and washboard. Spoons are often used, especially to accompany balalaika groups.