From ancient times, Russian musical instruments have expressed cultural traditions in the form of folk tales or dances that mark everyday life. These instruments are often made from common objects, primarily wooden materials. For example, wooden spoons (lozhki) are still used in folk bands. Let us now delve into the traditional Russian musical instruments, exploring their history, composition, and use.

In the History and Vastness of Russian Territory

The vastness of Russian territory has fostered extensive cultural diversity, thanks to the presence of different ethnic groups, each with its own musical heritage. Russian music also incorporates significant contributions from ethnic minorities that, over the centuries, populated the former Russian Empire, the USSR, and today’s Russian Federation.

The Russian musical tradition has followed a long path, during which traditional songs were introduced by the Orthodox Church. Historical sources confirm that during the Kievan Rus’ period, between 1100 and 1500 AD, string instruments were most commonly used. However, wind and percussion instruments were also employed. In medieval times, singing was the predominant musical expression, used to narrate ancestral stories and evoke strong emotions during celebrations. Instruments played a secondary role, primarily accompanying songs.

Nevertheless, wind and string instruments characterized the secular music performed by medieval minstrels entertaining the nobility at court.

Over the centuries, Russian music was influenced by dominant cultures. The gusli, a string instrument predominantly made of wood and resembling a tabletop zither, was first used in the 9th century. Although no definitive sources confirm its origin, many music historians believe this ancient instrument was introduced during the Byzantine era, resembling the Greek zither in shape and sound.

During the Kievan Rus’ period, the term gusli referred to all string instruments. The word’s etymology is rooted in a Slavic verb, as gousti means “to play.”

Moving forward in history, during the 18th and 19th centuries, in the Romantic era, traditional music transformed, incorporating folk dances accompanied by accordion-like instruments, used to narrate folk tales.

These typical instruments (garmón, bajàn, and akkordeón) were introduced by European and Asian populations at the end of the 18th century. Since then, they have also been used to tell romantic stories meant to woo loved ones. By the late 20th century, other genres like rock also emerged in Russia.

String Instruments

The Balalaika

This ancient instrument (its name in Italian means “to joke”) was introduced by Russians in the late 13th century through contact with the Mongolian culture. It belongs to the lute family, comprising a neck and a resonating body, resembling a classical or acoustic guitar. Its key features include a triangular resonating body (with wooden ribs inside) and a neck that holds 3 to 6 strings. Different models are available, varying by the size of the body and the tuning of the strings. Generally, models are classified as:

Prima and Seconda balalaika, tuned in E-E-A and A-A-D, respectively;

Alto and Bass balalaika, tuned in E-E-A and E-A-D, respectively;

Contrabass balalaika, tuned an octave below the Bass balalaika, specifically E-A-D;

Playing it involves plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers. The most distinctive characteristic of the instrument is that two strings are tuned in unison, with one string a fourth higher. This gives it a sound that is easily distinguishable from other string instruments. It is used in folk and classical music, where it often plays a solo role.

The Gusli

The gusli produces sounds reminiscent of birdsong. Originating in antiquity (documents mention it as early as the 9th century), it features 5 to 60 strings. The gusli can have helmet or wing shapes, the latter resembling the classic Scandinavian harp. In both cases, musicians pluck the metal or gut strings with a plectrum or fingers. Tuned diatonically or chromatically, the gusli enchants listeners with its sweet melodies and soothing timbre.

The sound originates from the expertly plucked strings, producing the described tones.

There is a wide variety of gusli, differing in the number of strings, dimensions, tuning, and shape. Its widespread popularity makes it a staple in orchestras where its use is highly admired.

The Domra

The domra also has ancient origins, introduced by Russians during the medieval period (around the 13th century). Similar to the balalaika (often considered its precursor), the domra evolved over centuries to feature a semi-spherical body. It has 3 or 4 metal strings and a long neck that affects the fretboard and the number of frets.

It is generally played with a plectrum and is used not only in former USSR territories but also in the USA and Ukraine, where it often replaces the balalaika.

Percussion Instruments

The Buben

These tambourines are still widely used by ethnic minorities across Russian territories today.

Introduced by Slavic populations, the buben is made of a wooden frame with a stretched leather membrane.

Bells inserted into the frame holes produce a jingling sound.

The Lozhki

Originally, lozhki were used as kitchen utensils (spoons) but later became musical instruments crafted from maple wood.

Dating back to medieval times, their distinguishing feature is their robustness, made from hard maple bark to prevent breakage during use.

While seemingly easy to play, mastering the rhythm can be challenging. The sound varies depending on the type of wood used for construction.

Wind Instruments

The Svistulka

One of the smallest wind instruments, the svistulka is portable and suited for various occasions. Made of ceramic and equipped with 1 to 4 holes, it resembles an ocarina.

Blowing into it while covering specific holes with fingers creates sounds that mimic birdsong.

Dudka and Duduk

The terms dudka or duduk encompasse a wide variety of flutes that characterize Russian musical traditions.

The variety stems from differences in construction, such as the type of wood and number of holes. Maple and juniper are the most commonly used woods for these flutes.

Besides musical performances, they were also used to call livestock to pasture.

Aerophones: From the Garmón to the Bajàn

There are various Russian musical instruments that could be grouped under the term accordion in English. However, they differ structurally and sonically.

The garmón is used for folk music and features 25 buttons for high notes and another 25 for low notes.

The bajàn, a more modern invention from the early 20th century, differs from standard accordions due to its larger rectangular reeds mounted on a plate. These reeds are tremolo-tuned. Compared to the garmón, the bajàn has more octaves and a much deeper sound. Its keyboard is positioned at the instrument’s midpoint, and diminished seventh chords replace standard C chords with G7 diminished chords.

The bajàn’s internal construction gives it a distinctively low and resonant sound, setting it apart from other accordions.