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Play Balalaika Play

The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra
Play Balalaika Play

The balalaika, a fretted string instrument whose standard form is triangular, has been known and played since the 17th century. Itinerant minstrels or skomorokhi used it to accompany their songs ridiculing local politics and the Russian Orthodox Church; it later became the ubiquitous folk instrument of Russia. The modern balalaika orchestra was introduced by Vasily Andreev in the early 20th century and continued into the height of the popularity of Russian folkloric (“narodniy”) music during the Soviet era. Similar ensembles have been created in the U.S. by the Russian diaspora. Balalaikas of all sizes are accompanied by accordion in this mostly instrumental remastered collection with some vocal accompaniment, originally recorded in 1978. Liner notes include a list of songs and a synopsis in English of the three vocal tracks.

*Content Advisory: While some Roma have and continue to use “Gypsy” as a self-identifier, many consider the term offensive or a racial slur. Romani people are a minoritized ethnic group in Europe who have been persecuted for centuries, and the term “Gypsy” has been used in violent and racist ways. We encourage you to learn more about Roma history and culture, and the continued fight for Roma rights. For more information, please see these resources from the European Roma Rights Centre, RomArchive, and Amnesty International.
- Anna Kate Cannon, 2021–22 Dumbarton Oaks Fellow at SFR, and Dr. Adriana Helbig, professor of Music at the University of Pittsburgh, contributed to the research and writing for this statement.
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Track Listing

101
Blue Kerchief (Sinii Platochek) / Gypsy Dance (Tsiganskii Tanets) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 02:46  
102
Kostya the Sailor (Kostya Moryak) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 02:52  
103
Hobo (Brodyaga) / She Said Nothing (Nichevo Ne Govorila) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 03:31  
104
Serenade (Serenada) / In the Meadow (Na Polyanke) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 03:45  
105
Silence (Tishina) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 02:38  
106
Polyanka (Little Meadow) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 03:28  
107
Ukrainian Dance (Kazachok ) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 02:30  
108
Gossip (Spletni) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 02:52  
109
Ukainian Medley (Ukrainskoye Popurri) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 05:19  
110
Forget-Me-Not (Nezabudka) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 03:24  
111
Moldavian Dance (Moldavanskii Tanets) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 01:55  
112
Blue Grass (Travushka) / Should I Go? (Poidu Li, Vyidu Li Ya) The Polyanka Russian Gypsy Orchestra 04:05