Russian Balalajka virtuoso that puts us all to shame!

› Forums › Music, Bands & Artists › Russian Balalajka virtuoso that puts us all to shame!

  • Post
Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Replies
    • March 31, 2009 at 9:03 pm
    Richard Lundmark
    Richard Lundmark
    Member

    another cool clip:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWToyAAIPEc&NR=1

    • April 3, 2009 at 8:00 pm
    Sean Conklin
    Sean Conklin
    Member

    I too am at a loss for words. This guy has such an incredible talent. I’ve never seen anything like it really. Simply awesome.

    What instrument is that exactly? It’s like a ukulele, banjo, and guitar all in one haha.

    • April 3, 2009 at 8:18 pm
    hscalfo
    Member

    Amazing! His right hand technique is so unique. Absolutely love this stuff. Thanks.

    • April 3, 2009 at 9:03 pm
    Richard Lundmark
    Richard Lundmark
    Member

    Yeah, it is sort of like a ukulele more than anything else. Three nylon strings.
    The Ukulele is a derivative of the Russian Balalaika I think.

    • April 3, 2009 at 11:24 pm
    pekki
    Member

    Since I can read and speak russian, I checked out some of the comments back there…

    Yes, it’s a 3-string instrument, called balalajka
    But what amazes me to the maximum is this:

    It’s written that 2 of the strings are unison, just another octave.

    Speechless about the playing.

    • April 4, 2009 at 7:29 am
    billmeedog
    Member

    @Richard Lundmark 6957 wrote:

    Yeah, it is sort of like a ukulele more than anything else. Three nylon strings.
    The Ukulele is a derivative of the Russian Balalaika I think.

    Hey Richard, šŸ™‚

    Thank you SO MUCH for this link! Buenos Dios!!! …Duh….Speechless!!! Absolutely stunning! Ya know who he reminded me of (in terms of: “commitment to crowd entertainment,” passion, joy, and sheer excellence?…Tommy Emmanuel! I mean, obviously a “different trip,” but I see a similar joy & passion! – if that makes any sense?!? – LOL!) Something tells me that (like Tommy) this chap has been “entertaining” people his whole-life. You can just see/sense it. He’s a natural! Don’t you think?

    BTW, when I was very young, my older sisters got me into “The Beatles,” and one of my favorite tunes was “Back In The U.S.S.R.” In that song was a lyric that I now have a fuller understanding of! It went like this:

    Let me hear your Balalaikas ringing out,
    Come and keep your comrades warm!
    I’m back in the U.S.S.R,
    You don’t know how lucky you are boys,
    Back in the U.S.S.R.!!!

    I now have a deeper appreciation for that cultural reference! šŸ˜Ž

    Oh and Richard, I agree…He certainly puts most stringed-instrument musicians to shame!!! :rolleyes:

    ~Bill Meehan~ šŸ˜€

    • April 7, 2009 at 1:33 am
    hscalfo
    Member

    I am fortunate to own an Egyptian Oud and a Turkish Saz. Whats funny is when I play them I can’t help but sound like a Westerner trying to play a middle eastern instrument. Middle eastern players style, technique and flair is something you really have to grow up around or dedicate yourself to learning from someone who has grown up in the culture.

    Its amazing to listen to.

    Its also sad that we sometimes get into a isolated listening box where we never explore all the other amazing styles of music that exist. Listening to other music only helps us to grow as musicians.
    Like our Balalaika player above, I have listened to oud, santur, saz and even tabla (Indian percussion) players that both shred and stir the soul.

    • April 16, 2009 at 7:18 pm
    Rick Graham
    Rick Graham
    Member

    Not quite sure what to say at the moment, I’m just…………… gobsmacked šŸ˜®

    • April 17, 2009 at 2:38 am
    billmeedog
    Member

    @Rick Graham 7095 wrote:

    Not quite sure what to say at the moment, I’m just…………… gobsmacked šŸ˜®

    Rick,

    LMFAO!!!

    ~Bill~

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.