Thread: Balalaika

Originally Posted by VendingMachine

Originally Posted by Oggi

Anyone in St. Petersburg who is a member of this forum, AND who plays the Balalaika?

No one in his/her right mind plays the balalaika in Russia, unless he/she's a professional musician playing in a band that runs gigs for drunk foreign tourists.

I am not a professional musician but I play balalaika (unfortunately only a little now ). When I was a kid I played it in orchestra of folk instruments and it was my second specialty instrument at music school. I played even bass-balalaika at that times (it's like ordinary balalaika but 5 times bigger). Unfortunately, during last 17 years I took balaika in my hands not so often and almost forgot how to play. All I can remember and play now are some simple folk melodies like "Светит месяц" or "Пойду я, выйду ль я".

Basil! Play some for us! You must have a microphone somewhere!

[quote="Basil77: I am not a professional musician but I play balalaika (unfortunately only a little now ). When I was a kid I played it in orchestra of folk instruments and it was my second specialty instrument at music school. I played even bass-balalaika at that times (it's like ordinary balalaika but 5 times bigger). Unfortunately, during last 17 years I took balaika in my hands not so often and almost forgot how to play. All I can remember and play now are some simple folk melodies like "Светит месяц" or "Пойду я, выйду ль я".[/quote]

It would be great if you could post some of your playing, Basil77. If not, I think it's great that you play the balalaika. My mother didn't teach me the Russian language(the Communist scare was alive and well in the USA when she arrived), and now I'm trying to learn it at the ripe old age of 58!

Make sure your children are proud of your ability, and teach balalaika to them!! It is an impressive, beautiful instrument, I love the energy of its music. Thanks again to Lampada for her musical posts!

I totally agree with Winifred - the balalaika is a lovely instrument, and extremely impressive when played well. Difficult stuff.

And I looooove the bass balalaika - the sound is great, and it's beauuuuuutiful thing. I've always wanted one, just for decoration!

Try not to lose it, Basil, it would be a pity, and you might regret it later (I know what I'm talking about - I used to play the piano pretty well, then stopped from lack of time - ahhh, I have too many interests - and I really regret that now ).....

And Winifred: go for it, gal! I'm also an old trout from the Cold War Era, but by Jove, I'm giving it my best shot!!