Customer Reviews

Balalaika Favorites

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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The Osipov Russian Folk Orchestra made this fine recording some four decades ago, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were barely on speaking terms. I imagine that some of the people who bought this record found themselves on FBI or CIA observation lists. Still, it would have been worth it, for the sheer exuberance of the music alone. The performances are bold and exciting, tinged with a hint of danger, and the listener is carried away on a crest of winter sleigh rides through places like Moscow and Vladivostock. Sure, the orchestra was capitalizing on the popularity of Dr. Zhivago, but at least they were able to find an audience. There's a little bit of hiss, given the antiquated recording instruments of the time, but it isn't enough to distract from the music. In fact, it's barely audible. I understand that they have since released a remastered version of the disc, but I'm always suspicious of perfection. One other thing: the cover leads you to believe that this is solely a balalaika show, but that isn't quite the case. There is, in fact, a whole orchestra here, but it is used quite smartly. Those other instruments give the music the air of authenticity, and create a kind of old world mood, but it's the balalaikas that carry the day.

The sound of massed balalaikas is a real treat, especially when recorded with as much vividness and realism as on this disc. The Osipov Folk Orchestra also consists of bass balalaikas, accordions, flutes, Vladimir Shepherd's Horns, and percussion and they produce quite a kaleidoscope of sound! I particularly enjoy the comedic Vladimir Shepherd's Horns, heard to their most humorous effect in the Tchaikovsky piece, which is guaranteed to make you smile. This recording uncannily conveys the impression of a live event. Of course, the performers deserve most of the credit for this. Their unanimity of attack and sheer exuberance are heartstopping. Even if you think you don't like Russian folk music, give this a try!

This album is not only one of the finest technically, but also musically. It was recorded back in the early sixties with the finest equipment and the finest audio technique ever devised. This has to be one of the most enjoyable listening experiences the listener will ever experience, as is all of the Mercury Living Presence series. We are privilaged to have these great recordings re-made on CD, and this particular one has to be at the top of the list. It will challenge any other recording technique, and it will lift your spirits every time you listen to it!

The reviewer who complained about disappointed expectations of hearing mostly balalaika music seems justified. The album title is misleading in that the balalaikas, of which there are many playing nearly all the time, are not always prominent nor clearly distinguishable by ear from the domras. Both the domras and balalaikas have three strings and are played mainly in a tremolo fashion, that is, with notes being struck repeatedly by a finger or pick fanning back and forth rapidly. The differences are (1) the balalaika is usually finger-picked while the domra uses a pick or plectrum, (2) the balalaika usually is strung with one metal and two gut/nylon strings while the domra uses all metal strings, and (3) the balalaika belly is triangle-shaped while the domra's is circular. Despite the differences it often isn't easy to tell them apart by sound. In general, because of the finger-picking and nylon strings, the balalaika has a somewhat softer sound with less brightness than the domra. For this reason in Russian folk groups the domra is more often used to play the melody, leaving the balalaikas to play the accompanying harmonies.

If you want to hear balalaikas without domras confusing things you might want to try the CD "Balalaika: Russia's Most Beautiful Tunes" (Musical Heritage Society 514746X ) played by the Stars of St. Petersburg, which includes no domras, but does have several other instruments including a guitar. Another bet would be to focus on solo balalaika music such as that found on the CD "L'Art de la Balalaïka Classique" (Arion ARN 68118), but be warned that this disk, which features balalaika with piano accompaniment, focusses more on classical-style than folk music. Another possibility is to get the video DVD "Red Star: Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble" (Kultur D4051) which includes two balalaika solos, along with lots of great choral and solo Russian singing, a fine band, and spectacular Russian dancing. If you specially want "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago, you can find it on the 2-CD album "Don Cossack Choir" (Brilliant 93094), where it is well sung in Russian by Michael Minsky accompanied by "Balalaika Orkestra, Fedor Astachow."

Regarding the present CD, the name of the performing group is honest enough: the Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra. As such it features several types of Russian folk instruments, along with a few which are more modern and non-folk in character. The program notes briefly describe four of the folk instruments: the domra, balalaika, shepherd's horn (rojok), and goosli. (The rojok is a kind of carved wooden trumpet and the goosli is a multi-stringed instrument something like a zither or autoharp.)

The music on this 35-mm film Living Presence disk is, in itself, truly excellent! If you like Russian folk-style instrumental music, you are just about guaranteed to love what's here: a varied selection of fairly familiar composed and traditional pieces presented with great artistry and authentic Russian spirit

Though recorded in early 1960's stereo (non-digital) sound, this disk will hold its own musically against newer releases, I believe. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and don't hesitate to recommend it heartily!

Wonderful balalaika orchestra. The folk songs are clear and bright for a recording from the '60s.

My family came from Russia and I grew up with this type of music. When I bought this cd I was not disappointed.I enjoyed it very much.

If you enjoyed the movie Dr Zhivago you may like the music from this orchestra. We did have a chance to see them live in the eastern part of Pennsylvania a few years back. Upon hearing what I felt was a balalaika instrument, in a recent television program, I immediately ordered this CD. I am now able to listen to this wonderful unique sound in the car. I am so glad I took the time to order it. In many passages I can visualize Dr Zhivago all over again.

I have not received my cd yet, but I was expecting to receive one with balalaika only, so I am already disappointed. In the samples, the orchestra is so predominate I cannot tell which is the balalaika. Thanks, Violet