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Brief History of the Balalaika

The balalaika [bah-lah-'lah-i-kah], a centuries-old Russian folk instrument, was likely imported from Central Asia in the 16^th century.  Similar in appearance to the Persian sitar, Russian authorities document the balalaika being played as early as 1688.  At that time, peasant musicians were flogged if caught playing popular music (Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich hated popular Russian culture). Perhaps not incidentally, the peasant jesters played the balalaika when ridiculing the tsar and religious authorities.

 

By the late 1700s, the instrument had become increasingly popular with the public.  In the following decades however, the harmonica, concertina, and 7-string guitar began to supplant balalaika’s prominence.  By mid-century, the balalaika was nearly forgotten.

 

Fortunately, Vasily Vasilevich Andreyev, a late 19^th century nobleman for the tsar, began to inquire how to improve the instrument’s sound after hearing it being played.  Collaborating with luthiers, he helped develop several balalaika sizes (5 in all).  Through his efforts, an Ensemble of Balalaika Players was created in 1888 to publicize the instrument.  For ordinary Russians, seeking to reassert national identity at the time, the balalaika quickly became a sensation.  In 1892, Andreyev’s balalaika octet performed at the royal palace for the Romanovs.  Accordingly, the balalaika continued to gain respect as a serious musical instrument. 

 

As the Ensemble began to expand, Andreyev decided to create a touring Russian Folk Orchestra.  Though successful at achieving his goals, Andreyev died with little wealth in 1918.  Nonetheless, the Russian Folk Orchestra, was heavily supported by Soviet authorities and serious study for the balalaika was introduced.

 

However, conservatory study of the balalaika eclipsed an earlier folk style favored by Russian Gypsies.  Indeed, in the 1930s well-known Russian composers (such as Ipplitov) began creating compositions for balalaika and symphony. Though immersed in this folk style, earlier balalaika orchestras existing outside Russia eventually began to decline.  As in the previous century, balalaika folk music would remain in a lull for several decades before renewed interest took hold, becoming popular in North American during the ‘70s. Today, more than 10 balalaika-playing orchestras perform in the U.S.

 

Design

The balalaika’s 3-strings are situated above a long neck and small (12.8” x 8”) triangular body. The instrument is produced by enjoining several spruce or fir sections together (with the back slightly bowed) and coating with several layers of lacquer.  Balalaika instruments include (from highest to lowest pitch) include the prima, the sekunda, alto, bass, and contrabass. Beyond tonal quality, the full spectrum of sound produced by these instruments (and still defined as belonging to the same instrument) is unequalled.

 

Bibliography

Flynn, James H. Building the Balalaika 1984.