05/04/2012 | Russians folk instruments

Gusli- a stringed musical instrument, the most common in Russia. It is the most ancient Russian stringed musical instrument. There are wing-shaped and helmet-shaped harps. The first, in later samples, have a triangular shape and from 5 to 14 strings, tuned according to the steps of the diatonic scale, helmet-shaped - 10-30 strings of the same tuning. The wing-shaped harp (they are also called ringed harp) is played, as a rule, by rattling all the strings and muffling unnecessary sounds with the fingers of the left hand; on the helmet-shaped or psalt-shaped harp, the strings are plucked with both hands.

Gusli in the form described above is essentially a purely Russian phenomenon. Many people have musical instruments with similar names. Slavic peoples: gusle - among the Serbs and Bulgarians, gusle, guzla, gusli - among the Croats, gosle - among the Slovenians, guslic - among the Poles, housle ("violin") among the Czechs. However, these instruments are quite diverse, and many of them are bowed (for example, guzla, which has only one horsehair string).

Researchers of the early 20th century. noted the striking similarity of the contemporary Chuvash and Cheremis gusli with images of this instrument in medieval Russian manuscripts (for example, in the Service Book of the 14th century, where the capital letter D depicts a person playing the gusli, and in the Makaryevskaya Chetye-Minea of ​​1542). In these images, the performers hold the harp on their knees and pluck the strings with their fingers. In exactly the same way, at the beginning of the 20th century, the Chuvash and Cheremis played the gusli. The strings of their harp were intestinal; their number was not always the same. Psalter-shaped harps are believed to have been brought to Russia by the Greeks, and the Chuvash and Cheremis borrowed this instrument from the Russians.

The clavier-shaped gusli, which was also found at the beginning of the 20th century, mainly among the Russian clergy, was an improved type of psalter-shaped gusli. This instrument consisted of a rectangular resonance box with a lid, which rested on a table. Several round cutouts (voices) were made on the resonance board, and two concave wooden blocks were attached to it. On one of them there were iron pegs screwed in, on which they wound metal strings; the other beam played the role of a stringer, that is, it served to attach the strings. The keyboard-shaped harp had a piano tuning, with the strings corresponding to the black keys being placed below those corresponding to the white keys.

For clavier-shaped gusli there were notes and a school compiled at the beginning of the 19th century. Fedor Kushenov-Dmitrevsky.

In addition to the psaltery-shaped gusli, there were kantele, similar to the Finnish instrument. Probably, this type of gusli was borrowed by the Russians from the Finns. By the beginning of the 20th century it had almost completely disappeared.

Balalaika- Russian folk three-stringed plucked musical instrument, from 600-700 mm (prima balalaika) to 1.7 meters (double bass balalaika) in length, with a triangular, slightly curved (in the 18th-19th centuries also oval) wooden body. The balalaika is one of the instruments that has become (along with the accordion and, to a lesser extent, the pity) a musical symbol of the Russian people.

The body is glued together from separate (6-7) segments, the head of the long neck is slightly bent back. The strings are metal (in the 18th century, two of them were gut strings; modern balalaikas have nylon or carbon). On the neck of a modern balalaika there are 16-31 metal frets (until the end of the 19th century - 5-7 frets).

The sound is clear but soft. The most common techniques for producing sound: rattling, pizzicato, double pizzicato, single pizzicato, vibrato, tremolo, rolls, guitar techniques.

Balalaika-double bass

Before the balalaika became a concert instrument in late XIX century Vasily Andreev, it did not have a permanent, widespread system. Each performer tuned the instrument in accordance with his manner of performance, the general mood of the pieces being played, and local traditions.

The system introduced by Andreev (two strings in unison - the note "E", one - a quart higher - the note "A" (both "E" and "A" of the first octave) became widespread among concert balalaika players and began to be called "academic". There is also a “folk” tuning - the first string is “G”, the second is “E”, the third is “C”. In this tuning, triads are easier to play; its disadvantage is the difficulty of playing on open strings. In addition to the above, there are also regional traditions of tuning the instrument. The number of rare local settings reaches two dozen.

The balalaika is a fairly common musical instrument that is studied in academic music educational institutions Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The duration of training on the balalaika in a children's music school is 5 - 7 years (depending on the age of the student), and in a secondary educational institution - 4 years, in a higher educational institution - 4-5 years. Repertoire: arrangements folk songs, transcriptions classical works, original music.

There is no unambiguous point of view on the origin of the balalaika. It is believed that the balalaika has become widespread since the end of the 17th century. Possibly comes from Asian dombra. It was “a long two-stringed instrument, had a body about one and a half spans in length (about 27 cm) and one span in width (about 18 cm) and a neck (neck) at least four times longer” (M. Guthrie, “ Dissertation on Russian antiquities").

The balalaika acquired its modern appearance thanks to the musician-educator Vasily Andreev and masters V. Ivanov, F. Paserbsky, S. Nalimov and others. Andreev suggested making the soundboard from spruce, and making the back of the balalaika from beech, and also shortening it (to 600-700 mm). The family of balalaikas made by F. Paserbsky (piccolo, primu, alto, tenor, bass, double bass) became the basis of the Russian folk orchestra. Later, F. Paserbsky received a patent in Germany for the invention of the balalaika.

The balalaika is used as a solo concert, ensemble and orchestral instrument.

Accordion (accordion)

- reed keyboard-pneumatic musical instrument. All hand-held harmonicas that do not belong to the button accordion and various accordions are called harmonicas.

The design of the harmonica, like most other types of manual harmonicas, consists of a right and left half-body, on each of them there is a keyboard with buttons and (or) keys. The left keyboard is intended for accompaniment - pressing one button will sound a bass or an entire chord (note: the turtle accordion does not have a left keyboard); the melody is played on the right. Between the half-cases there is a bellows chamber to allow air to be pumped to the sound bars of the instrument.

The distinctive features of accordions, in comparison with a button accordion or an accordion, are:

• As a rule, the harmonium can only produce sounds of the diatonic scale, or with a certain number of chromatic sounds. For example, in a harmonica with 25 keys in the right and left keyboard (25/25) with the key “C”, these are the sounds: “G-sharp” of the first octave, E-flat and F-sharp of the second octave. For a harmonica with 27 keys in the right keyboard, in addition to the indicated sounds, C-sharp and B-flat are also added.
• Reduced range of sounds (number of octaves).
• Smaller dimensions (dimensions).

It is impossible to say with certainty where exactly the hand accordion was first invented. It is widely believed that the accordion was invented in Germany, at the beginning of the 19th century, by Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann, a native of the city of Friedrichrod. However, there is other data. The Germans themselves consider the accordion to be a Russian invention, and according to the research of Academician Mirek, the first accordion appeared in St. Petersburg in 1783 through the efforts of the Czech organ master Frantisek Kirshnik (he invented new way sound extraction - using a metal reed that vibrates under the influence of air flow). It is considered a folk instrument of the Tatars since the second half of the 19th century. There are other views on this problem.

Russian harmonicas are divided into two types according to the type of sound production: firstly, harmonicas, in which, when the bellows are stretched and compressed, each button when pressed produces a sound of the same pitch, and, secondly, harmonicas, in which the pitch of the sound changes in depending on the direction of movement of the bellows. The first type includes such harmonicas as “livenka”, “Russian venka”, “khromka” (the most common in our time). The second type includes “talyanka”, “cherepanka”, “Tula”, “Vyatskaya”. You can divide the harmonies according to the type of right keyboard, depending on the number of rows of buttons. The most common accordion in our time is the two-row “lame”, but there are also three-row instruments and instruments with one row of buttons.

• Single-row accordions: Tula, Livenskaya, Vyatka, Talyanka (short for “Italian”, there are 12/15 buttons on the right keyboard, and three on the left).
• Double-row accordions: Russian wreath (first double-row), lame.
• Automatic accordion.

Wooden spoons used in Slavic tradition like a musical instrument. The game set is from 3 to 5 spoons, sometimes different sizes. The sound is produced by striking the back sides of the scoops against each other. The timbre of the sound depends on the method of sound production.

Typically, one performer uses three spoons, two of which are placed between the fingers of the left hand, and the third is taken in the right. The blows are made with the third spoon, two at a time in the left hand. Usually, for convenience, blows are made on the hand or knee. Sometimes bells are hung from the spoons.

In Belarus, only two spoons are traditionally used when playing.

In addition, spoons are widely used in American folk music and minstrel shows. British art-rock band Caravan use electric spoons (spoons equipped with an electrical amplification device) in their performances, played by Jeff Richardson.

The first Russian folk musical instruments arose a long time ago, back in time immemorial. You can learn about what our ancestors played from paintings, handwritten brochures and popular prints.

A certain number of tools were found during excavations, and now no one can doubt that they were indeed widespread in Rus'. Our ancestors could not live without music. Many of them knew how to independently make the simplest instruments, which were then passed on by inheritance. In the evenings, people gathered and played, resting from a hard day.

Let's take a closer look at musical instruments. At least general idea Every resident of our country should know about them.

Gusli

This is an instrument with strings. It first appeared in Rus'.

The gusli is the oldest of all that have come down to us. They are helmet-shaped and wing-shaped. The latter were made in the shape of a triangle, the minimum number of strings is 5, and the maximum is 14. On wing-shaped (ringing) harp, such is that a person touches right hand all the strings at once. And at this time, the left one neutralizes unnecessary sounds. As for the helmet-shaped ones (they are also called psalter-shaped ones), a person plays them with both hands at once. These folk instruments are quite difficult to master, but they are worth it.

Clavier-shaped harp

Let's consider them too. They were common not only in antiquity, but also in the twentieth century, often played by representatives of the clergy.

These harps were similar to psalter-shaped ones, but an order of magnitude better. The basis of this tool was a rectangular box equipped with a lid. Several voice boxes (special oval holes) were cut out on one side of it, then a pair of wooden chips were attached to it. Metal pegs were screwed into one of them, and strings of the same material were wound on them. Another sliver served as a snare. No special explanation is required here, the name speaks for itself. The strings were fixed on it. This instrument had a piano tuning. It is interesting that the strings similar to the dark keys were located lower than the corresponding white ones. To play the keyboard-shaped harp, you had to know the notes. Otherwise, a normal melody would not have turned out. The folk instruments, pictures of which you see in front of you, captivate everyone who hears them.

Kantele's relative

It is impossible not to mention the harp, which in appearance resembled a kantele - an instrument originally from Finland. Most likely, the Russians were inspired to create them by the traditions of this country. Unfortunately, in the twentieth century such harps were completely forgotten.

Now you know the most famous ancient folk string instruments.

Balalaika

Many folk musicians still play it today. Balalaika is plucked instrument, equipped with three strings.

Its sizes vary greatly: there are models whose size reaches 600 mm, but there are also types with a length of 1.7 meters. In the first case we are talking about the so-called prima, and in the second - about the balalaika-double bass. This instrument has a slightly curved wooden body, but in the XVIII— XIX century x there were also oval ones. If you ask any foreigner what Russia is associated with, he will certainly think of the balalaika. The accordion and the pity are also symbols of our country, but less popular.

Sound features

The sound of the balalaika is loud, but gentle. The most common playing techniques are single and double pizzicato. Not least important are rattling, rolls, vibrato, and tremolo. Folk instruments, including the balalaika, sound quite soft, although loud. The melodies are very soulful and often sad.

Balalaika-double bass

Previously, this instrument did not have an established, universally used tuning.

Each musician tuned it according to his preferences, the mood of the melodies played and local customs. However, in the 19th century he radically changed this situation, after which the balalaika became an indispensable attribute of many concerts. The folk instruments, photos of which you see, are still used by many musicians today in their performances.

Academic and popular system

The system created by Andreev has gained enormous popularity among performers traveling around the country. It began to be called academic. In addition to it, there is also the so-called popular system. In this case, it is easier to play triads, but the difficulty lies in the fact that it is quite difficult to use open strings. In addition to all of the above, there are also local ways to tune the balalaika. There are twenty of them.

We can say that the balalaika is a fairly popular folk instrument. Many people learn to play it music schools our country, as well as Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus. Folk instruments today attract many young people, and this is encouraging.

Ancient balalaika

There is no clear answer to the question of when the balalaika appeared - there are many versions. And it gained popularity in the 17th century. It is possible that its ancestor is Kazakh dombra. The ancient balalaika was a fairly long instrument, the body length of which was approximately 27 cm. And its width reached 18 cm. The instrument was also notable for its very elongated neck.

Modification of the instrument

The balalaikas played today differ in appearance from the ancient ones. The instrument was modified by musician V. Andreev together with S. Nalimov, F. Paserbsky, and also V. Ivanov. These people decided that the soundboard should be made from spruce and the back from beech. In addition, Andreev proposed making the tool a little shorter, up to 700 mm. Wonderful man F. Paserbsky invented a whole group of balalaikas: primu, tenor, double bass, piccolo, alto, bass. Today it is impossible to imagine a traditional Russian orchestra without them. After some time, this man, who made many Russian folk instruments, received a patent for them.

The balalaika can be used not only in orchestras, it is also often played solo.

Harmonic

This is a reed instrument belonging to the keyboard-pneumatic family.

The accordion should not be confused with the accordion and button accordion.

This instrument consists of two semi-cases on which panels with keys and buttons are located. Left-hand side necessary for accompaniment: if you hold down one key, you will hear a bass or an entire chord, and the right one is intended for playing. In the middle there is a fur compartment for pumping oxygen to the sound bars of the accordion.

How does this instrument differ from an accordion or accordion:

On a standard harmonica, the musician usually produces exclusively diatonic sounds, in some cases chromatic ones are also added;

Fewer octaves;

Compactness.

Who invented this instrument?

There is no exact information about where the first accordion was made. According to one version, it was created in Germany in the 19th century. Its inventor is considered to be F.K. Bushman. But there are other versions. In Germany, there is an opinion that the accordion was created in Russia, and if you believe the scientist Mirek, then the first such instrument was made in the northern capital in 1783, it was created by Frantisek Kirshnik, an organ master originally from the Czech Republic. This man came up with an original way to produce sound - through an iron tongue set in motion by exposure to oxygen. Since the end of the 19th century, the accordion has been considered a Tatar folk instrument. There are other, no less interesting versions.

Classification of accordions

These folk instruments, common in Russia, are divided into two types according to the method of producing sound. The first category includes harmonicas in which, when the bellows move, all keys, when pressed, produce sounds of the same pitch. Such tools are quite popular. And the second category includes harmonicas, in which the pitch of the sound depends on which direction the bellows move. The first type includes the instruments “khromka” (the most popular today), “Russian wreath”, and also “livenka”. And “talyanka”, “Tula”, “cherepanka” and “Vyatskaya” belong to the second category. You can classify harmonicas by the type of right keyboard, and more specifically, by the number of keys. Today, the “khromka”, which has two rows of buttons, has become widely known, but there are tools with three, and some even have only one row. Now you understand that there are many accordions and they are all different.

• Tools with one row of buttons: “Tula”, “Vyatka”, “Livenskaya”, “Talyanka”. The last name is derived from “Italian”, there are 12/15 keys on the right, and 3 on the left.
• Tools with two rows of buttons: “chrome”, “Russian wreath”.
• The accordion is automatic.

Spoons

Our ancestors played them too. The minimum number of spoons per musician is three, the maximum is five.

These Russian folk instruments can come in different sizes. When the spoons hit each other with the convex part, a characteristic sound is produced. Its height may vary depending on the method of its production.

Playing technique

A musician, as a rule, plays three spoons: he holds one in his right hand, and places the remaining two between the phalanges of his left. It's not hard to imagine. Most performers hit the leg or arm. This is explained by the fact that it is much more convenient. The blows are made with one spoon against two spoons held in the left hand. In some cases, the scoops are supplemented with small bells.

Belarusian musicians prefer to play with only two spoons.

It should be noted that scoops are widespread among folk performers from the USA and Britain. Jeff Richardson, a member of the English art-rock band Caravan, plays electric spoons during concerts.

Ukrainian folk instruments

A few words should be said about them.

In ancient times, cymbals, bagpipes, torban, violins, harp and other wind, percussion, and string instruments were common in Ukraine. In most cases, they were made from various available materials (animal bones, leather, wood).

The most popular is the kobza-bandura, without which it is impossible to imagine the Ukrainian epic.

The harp also gained wide popularity. This is with strings, there could be many of them, up to thirty or forty. In addition to Ukrainians and Russians, they were played by Czechs, Belarusians and many other nationalities. This suggests that the harp is truly magnificent, and even today it should not be forgotten.

Be sure to listen to folk instruments whose names you now know. Beautiful melodies will definitely not leave you indifferent.

Description of the presentation Russian folk musical instruments Strings on slides

The name “balalaika”, sometimes found in the form “balabaika”, is a folk name, probably given to the instrument in imitation of the strumming, “balakan” of the strings during playing. “To chatter”, “to joke” in the popular dialect means to chatter, to make idle calls. Russian origin can only be attributed to the triangular outline of the body or body of the balalaika, which replaced the round shape of the domra.

From the beginning, the balalaika spread mainly in the northern and eastern provinces of Russia, usually accompanying folk dance songs. But already in mid-19th centuries, the balalaika was very popular in many places in Russia. It was played not only by village boys, but also by serious court musicians such as Ivan Khandoshkin, I.F. Yablochkin, N.V. Lavrov. However, by the middle of the 19th century, the harmonica was found almost everywhere next to it, which gradually replaced the balalaika.

Domra is an ancient Russian musical instrument. Scientists suggest that the ancient ancestor of our Russian domra was an Egyptian instrument, which received the name “pandura” from Greek historians, and was in use several thousand years before our time. This instrument, called “tanbur,” may have come to us through Persia, which traded with Transcaucasia.

Due to their performing capabilities, domras in the orchestra constitute the main melodic group. In addition, the domra finds its use as a solo instrument. Concert plays and works are written for her. Unfortunately, the domra is not particularly popular as a folk instrument in Russia; it is almost never found in villages.

Gusli, Russian plucked instrument. Known in two varieties. The first has a wing-shaped (triangular in later samples) shape, from 5 to 14 strings tuned in steps of the diatonic scale, the second has a helmet-shaped shape and 10-30 strings of the same tuning.

The winged (ringed) harp is played, as a rule, by rattling all the strings and muffling unnecessary sounds with the fingers of the left hand.

They accompanied their own singing on the harp and performed folk songs and dancing, played solo and in ensemble with other instruments

The harmonica comes from an Asian instrument called the shen. Shen in Russia was known a very long time ago in the 10th-13th centuries during the period of Tatar-Mongol rule. Some researchers claim that the shen traveled from Asia to Russia, and then to Europe, where it was improved and became a widespread, truly popular musical instrument throughout Europe - the harmonica.

Contrary to the opinion that the accordion is an invention of German masters, Academician A. M. Mirek managed to prove it Russian origin. Harmonica in its modern form - with sliding bellows (pneuma) and with big amount notched metal tongues inside two side strips - appeared in St. Petersburg. Her father, the Czech engineer Frantisek Kirshnik, lived in Russia at that time, and demonstrated his new instrument, with much greater sound power than the sheng, to the people of St. Petersburg in 1783. He also gave his brainchild a Czech name: harmonica. But now this name, like “accordion,” has become colloquial in Russian. The official name of this musical instrument is accordion.

Garmon quickly became Russian national instrument. I was captivated by the harmonica both because of its sonorous voice and the ease of learning to play. The sound is more interesting and stronger than that of any pipe, and it itself is tens of times more compact than the master’s favorite - the “grand piano”.

The button accordion is also a Russian invention. In 1907 it was made by Pyotr Sterligov. The master himself did not boast that he had invented a new instrument. And the new four-row chromatic accordion was given the name of the famous storyteller-musician Ancient Rus' Bayana. This name is inherited by all instruments of this type. The keyboard, invented by the master and located on the right side of the instrument, was called the Sterligov system.

Nowadays, composers write original works for the button accordion, including compositions of large forms of sonatas and concertos. In music schools there are classes for playing the button accordion, which train qualified button accordion players. The button accordion remains a folk instrument on which folk music was played and continues to be played.

The first written evidence about the horn appears in the second half of the 18th century. In them, the horn appears as a widespread, native Russian instrument: “This instrument was almost invented by the Russians themselves.” The horn is a conical straight tube with five playing holes on top and one on the bottom. There is a small bell at the lower end, and a glued mouthpiece at the upper end. The total length of the horn ranges from 320 to 830 mm

The word "pathetic" does not appear in any ancient Russian monument writing. The first mention of pity is in the notes of A. Tuchkov, dating back to the end of the 18th century. There is reason to assume that the zhaleika was present before this in Zhaleika is a small tube made of willow or elderberry, 10 to 20 cm long, into the upper end of which a squeak with a single tongue made of reeds or goose feather is inserted, and at the lower end there is a bell made of cow horn or from birch bark. The tongue is sometimes cut on the tube itself. There are from 3 to 7 playing holes on the barrel, thanks to which you can change the pitch of the sound. appearance of another instrument.

The timbre of the pitiful woman is shrill and nasal, sad and pitiful. The instrument was used as a shepherd's instrument; tunes of different genres were played on it alone, in duets, and in ensembles.

Svirel is a Russian instrument of the longitudinal flute type. Mention of flutes is found in ancient greek myths and legends. This type of instrument existed different nations from ancient times. In Europe, in court music-making (18th century), its name became firmly established - “longitudinal flute”. The flute is a simple wooden (sometimes metal) pipe. At one end there is a whistle device in the form of a “beak”, and in the middle of the front side there are carved different quantities playing holes (usually six). The instrument is made from buckthorn, hazel, maple, ash or bird cherry.

Kug kly (kuv kly) ii ii or tsevn tsa ii is a wind musical instrument, a Russian type of multi-barrel flute. As a rule, it consists of three to five hollow tubes of the same diameter, but of different lengths - from 100 to 160 mm. The upper ends of the tubes are open and the lower ends are closed. Kuvikly are not distributed throughout Russia, but only in the Kursk, Bryansk and Kaluga regions. The sound is produced by blowing on the cut edges of the open ends located on the same line. Usually the flute tubes are firmly fastened together, but the quvikles have distinctive feature- in them the pipes are not held together, but held freely in the hand. Use from 2 to 5 tubes. A set of five pipes is called a "pair". The performer playing the “pair” must not only be able to blow the pipes, but also reproduce the missing notes with his voice

The time of the emergence of spoons as a musical instrument in Rus' has not yet been established. The first fairly detailed information about them appears in late XVIII centuries and indicate their widespread distribution among peasants. Musical spoons appearance They are not much different from ordinary wooden table spoons, only they are made from harder wood.

Benui is a percussion musical instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a leather membrane stretched over a wooden rim. Some types of tambourines have metal bells attached to them, which begin to ring when the performer strikes the membrane of the tambourine, rubs it, or shakes the entire instrument.

The ratchet is a folk musical instrument, an idiophone that replaces clapping of hands. Ratchets consist of a set of 18 -20 thin planks (usually oak) 16 -18 cm long. They are connected to each other by a thick rope threaded through the holes in the upper part of the planks. To separate the planks, small wooden plates approximately 2 cm wide are inserted between them at the top. There is no written evidence of whether this instrument was used in Ancient Rus' as a musical instrument. During archaeological excavations in Novgorod in 1992, 2 tablets were found, which, according to V.I. Povetkin, were part of a set of ancient Novgorod rattles in the 12th century.

They have long been covered with dust that only students play them music schools Yes, older musicians, then you are deeply mistaken! Folk instruments are not a distant past, they are popular to this day. They are actively used not only folk groups, but also performers of music of various styles and genres. From classical to rock and jazz, you can increasingly hear the sound of accordion, balalaika, domra.

A little history

Any folk musical instrument is part of the history of an ethnic group. They are able to reveal the specifics of morals and customs, and tell a lot about the culture of their people. For example, Russian folk instruments reveal the richness of the Russian soul, its bright creative character. Confirmation of this is the melodic nature of Russian music, its polyphony.

To the general musical culture Slavic peoples included such instruments as: ancient Russian harp, longitudinal flutes, pipes, tambourines, rattles, wooden boxes, rubles, mallets, spoons, nozzles, pipes, clay whistles, pity, bagpipes, tweeters, rattles, buzzers, furchalkas, howlers, balalaikas , dombra.

In the photo - folk instruments of the Slavs

Let's not look so far into the past. Still ours

and grandfathers played such popular and beloved musical instruments as the accordion and balalaika. Some instruments (harp and others), after improvement, formed the basis of modern folk instrument orchestras.

Many professional musical instruments have their origins in the so-called “ folk prototypes" For example, in the distant past the violin was a folk musical instrument. From the simplest folk flute came modern flute, and the shawl, well known to specialists in the history of Slavic culture, is the oboe.

IN modern music folk instruments are most often used by folk performers. For example, the folk rock band Melnitsa (Celtic harp, mandolin, percussion) or the Russian-American rock band RedElvises, working in the styles of surf, funk, rockabilly folk music (bass-balalaika). Legendary rock band Kalinov Most uses the button accordion in its work, the Soviet and Russian rock band Zero uses the button accordion and balalaika. The list of performers and instruments goes on. Let's look at the most popular musical instruments used in modern creativity.

Popular folk musical instruments

Balalaika

- This is the musical symbol of the Russian people. This is a Russian folk stringed musical instrument with a triangular, slightly curved wooden body. The length of the instrument varies from 600–700 mm (prima balalaika) to 1.7 meters (subcontrabass balalaika). The body is glued together from separate segments (6–7), the head of the long neck is slightly bent back. The instrument has three strings, and on the neck of a modern balalaika there are 16–31 metal frets.

The sound of the balalaika is clear but soft. Balalaika dol

You need to have three strings and the so-called “balalaika” tuning. No other balalaika tunings: guitar, minor and others are used for playing from notes.

How to choose the “right” balalaika?

You need to learn to play a good instrument. Only it can give a strong, beautiful, melodious sound, and it depends on the quality of the sound and the ability to use it. artistic expression execution.

A good instrument can be easily identified by its appearance: it should be beautiful in shape, assembled from quality materials, and well polished.

The ideal balalaika must meet the following requirements:

• The neck of the balalaika should be completely straight, without bends or cracks. It is not very thick and comfortable to grip, but also not too thin, since in this case, under the influence of external reasons (from string tension, dampness, temperature changes), it may warp over time. Best material for the fingerboard it is ebony.
• The frets should be well sanded both on top and along the edges of the neck and not interfere with the movements of the fingers of the left hand.
• All frets must be the same height or lie in the same plane, that is, so that a ruler placed edgewise on them touches all of them without exception. The best fret materials are white metal and nickel.

• String pegs must be mechanical. They hold tuning well and allow for very easy and precise tuning of the instrument.
• Deck built from good resonant spruce with regular, parallel small layers, it should be flat and not concave inward.
• If there is a hinged shell, you should pay attention to the fact that it is truly hinged and does not touch the deck. The shell must be veneered, made of hard wood (so as not to warp). It protects the delicate deck from impacts and destruction.
• The top and bottom sills should be made of hard wood or bone.

• The string stand in the correct instrument is made of maple and its entire lower plane is in close contact with the soundboard, without gaps.
• The string buttons (near the nut) are made of very hard wood or bone and sit firmly in their sockets.
• The purity of the tuning and timbre of the instrument depends on the selection of strings. Strings that are too thin give a weak, rattling sound; too thick ones make it difficult to play and deprive the instrument of its melodiousness or break.

The balalaika is not so popular among performers, but there is a virtuoso and very popular artist- Alexey Arkhipovsky

Today the balalaika can be heard not only in professional orchestras. The instrument may not be so popular, but among the performers there are real virtuosos. One of them is Alexey Arkhipovsky. The outstanding musician performed compositions at the opening of the Olympic Games at the Russian House in Vancouver, the Eurovision Song Contest and the First Andrei Tarkovsky Film Festival. The balalaika player is also widely known on the Internet. Concert tickets sell out within days, making it one of the most famous performers folk music to date.

Gusli is an ancient plucked string musical instrument. In Russia, several varieties of recumbent harps are confused with it. Today, every orchestra of folk instruments includes plucked-table harp and keyboard harp. The sound of these instruments gives the orchestra a unique flavor of ancient psaltery ringing.

Currently, interest in the gusli has grown significantly. Modern guslar-storytellers have appeared, setting out to recreate ancient tradition playing the harp and singing to their accompaniment. Along with the plucked harp, the main technique of playing which is plucking and clanking, keyboard harp also appeared. The mechanics installed on them opens the strings when you press the keys, and makes it possible to select the desired chord. This makes playing the harp much easier

- an ancient Russian stringed musical instrument with three and sometimes four strings. It is usually played with the help of a mediator. Domra is the prototype of the Russian balalaika and still exists among the Kalmyks, Tatars and Kyrgyz.

The domra consists of a neck with pegs in the upper part and a wooden body with a shield in the lower part. Also, strings are attached below and stretched to the pegs.

Types of domra: piccolo, small, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, bass and double bass. In the orchestra of Russian folk instruments, piccolo, small, alto and bass domras have become widespread.

The historical fate of domra is almost tragic. This instrument was forgotten and recreated in our time. Today, the domra is a young, promising instrument with enormous, above all, musical and expressive potential, having truly Russian roots, which has risen to the heights of the academic genre.

TO How to choose the “right” domra

When choosing a domra for yourself, you should pay attention to the following:

• the sound of the instrument, namely whether you like the sound or not;
• The timbre of the sound across the entire fretboard must be even, without extraneous sounds, so that nothing crackles or rings, you need to check it on every fret;
• we look to see if the bar has moved to the side, whether the bar has moved to the side;
• you need to listen to the longitude of the sound, if you have a choice, then by longitude you can determine the best instrument;
• The factor of “flight” of sound is important (it is advisable to check it in a large room), sound strength, sonority, it determines whether the instrument will be heard in the hall, since in a small room the sensations may be different;
• the instrument must be comfortable for the hands, you must play, the more, the better.

- a stringed plucked musical instrument with a tambourine-shaped body and a long wooden neck with a neck on which four to nine core strings are stretched. A type of guitar with a resonator (the extended part of the instrument is covered with leather, like a drum). IN modern America The word “banjo” denotes either its tenor variety with four strings tuned in fifths, the lower of which is up to a small octave, or a five-string instrument with a different tuning. The banjo is played using a plectrum.

The banjo is a relative of the well-known European mandolin and is similar in shape. Nobanjo has a more ringing and sharp sound. In some African countries, the banjo is considered a sacred instrument that can only be touched by high priests or rulers.

Modern banjo happens different types, including five- and six-strings. The six-string version, tuned like a guitar, has also become quite popular. Almost all types of banjo are played with a characteristic tremolo or arpeggiated with the right hand, although there are various styles games.

Today, the banjo is commonly associated with country and bluegrass music. Recently, the banjo has begun to be used in a variety of musical genres, including pop and Celtic punk. Even more recently, hardcore musicians have begun to show interest in the banjo.

is a miniature four-string ukulele. Translated from Hawaiian, “ukulele” means jumping flea. The ukulele is common on various Pacific islands, but is primarily associated with Hawaiian music.

If you are just starting to learn this instrument, it is better to start with soprano or concert. If you have a large hand, then a concert ukulele is for you. She is slightly larger than a soprano, with more modes. It is more convenient to play chords on it.

How to choose a ukulele

When selecting a tool in music store Please pay attention to the following points:

You just have to like the tool.

Look carefully to see if there are any cracks on it.

Ask the seller to set up the instrument. If you are tuning the instrument for the first time, you will have to repeat the tuning process several times, since the strings have not yet been stretched and they will break down for several days. You should lightly tug on the string before tuning it. You need to tune the string from low to high.

All frets on all strings should be checked to ensure they are in tune and not ringing.

The strings should be easy to press (especially on the first and second frets). The distance between the strings and the neck should not be large.

Nothing inside should rattle when you play. All strings should be equal in volume and clarity.

Check if the bar is straight.

If the instrument comes with a built-in pickup (“pickup”), ask to connect it to a guitar amp and check that everything works. Make sure the battery in the pickup is new.

Be sure to consider several tools before making your choice. Sometimes a cheap tool from some unknown company can surprise you.

Folk instruments today

Currently, other, more modern musical instruments with electronic filling and many functions are in fashion. But I want to believe that interest in folk instruments will not fade over time. After all, their sound is original and unique.

POP-MUSIC stores offer various folk instruments: balalaikas, banjos, domras, mandolins, ukuleles and others. Experienced consultants will help you navigate and provide the opportunity to implement your ideas.

Ancient musical instruments are sometimes valued more than modern ones. The reason is that similar tools are different high quality work. The first musical instruments are considered to be winds, pipes and tweeters. various types. Naturally, you can only admire such exhibits in a museum. But there are a number of tools that can be purchased at auctions.

An ancient musical instrument is a broad concept. It refers to products that make sounds and were made back in the days Ancient Greece and Egypt, as well as less “old” objects that can make musical sounds and have a resistor. It is noteworthy that they do not have a resistor percussion instruments that produce musical sounds.

1) The ancestor of stringed instruments is the hunting bow, which was used by our ancestors. Since the string produced a methodical sound when pulled, it was subsequently decided to string several strings of different thicknesses and lengths, resulting in sounds of different ranges.

Replacing the enclosure with a full box resulted in sounds that were beautiful and melodic. To the first string instruments can be attributed:

1. Gusli.
2. Guitar.
3. Theorbu.
4. Mandolin.
5. Harp.

It is worth paying attention to violins, which are in particular demand. The most popular violin maker is Antonio Stradivari. Experts agree that Antonio made the best violins in 1715; the quality of these instruments is simply amazing. Distinctive feature The master's work should be considered a desire to improve the shape of the instruments, changing them to a more curved one. Antonio strived for perfect sound and melodiousness. He decorated the body of the violins with precious stones.

In addition to violins, the master made harps, cellos, guitars and violas.

2) A wind musical instrument can be made of wood, metal or other material. Essentially, it is a tube of various diameters and lengths that produces sound due to air vibrations.

The larger the volume wind instrument, the lower the sound it makes. There are wooden and copper instruments. The principle of operation of the former is simple - it is necessary to open and close holes that are located at different distances from each other. As a result of such actions, air masses vibrate and music is created.

To the antiques wooden instruments include:

• flute;
• bassoon;
• clarinet;
• oboe.

The instruments got their name due to the material from which they were made in those days, but modern technologies do not stand still, so the material was replaced partially or completely. Therefore, today these instruments look different and are made from different materials.

Sound is produced from brass instruments by changing the position of the lips and by the force of the air being blown in and out. Later, in 1830, a mechanism with valves was invented.

Brass instruments include:

1. Trombone.
2. Pipe.
3. Tubu et al.

In most cases, these instruments are made of metal, and not only copper, brass and even silver are used. But the works of medieval masters were made of wood partially or completely.

Perhaps the most ancient wind instrument is the horn, which was used for various purposes.

Bayans and accordions

Bayans, accordions and all types of accordions are classified as reed musical instruments.

Traditions allow us to call only those instruments that have a keyboard with right side. But in the USA, the concept of “accordion” also includes other types of hand accordions. At the same time, varieties of accordions may have their own names.

Around the end of the 19th century, accordions were made in Klingenthal; German accordions are still in demand among Russian musicians.

There are also hydroid models that can be classified as artifacts; most of these models are no longer in use, but require attention due to their rarity and uniqueness.

Shrammel's button accordion is an instrument that has a unique structure. On the right side there is a push-button keyboard. This type of accordion is used in Viennese chamber music.

Trikitix accordion - on the left side there is a 12-button bass, on the right side there is a keyboard.

The chromatic accordion from Britain, despite the fact that the instrument is made in Germany, is considered the favorite instrument of musicians from Scotland.

The old "Schwitzerörgeli" accordion has similarities with the Belgian bass system, and the accordion is also called an organ from Scotland.

It is also worth paying attention to one copy from the times of the USSR - this is the “Baby” accordion, which has a unique design. The peculiarity of this instrument is that the accordion is smaller in size. It was used to educate children, but not only. Due to its compactness, the instrument has some structural features:

• the first row is the bass and the second row is the chords;
• major and minor missing;
• one button performs the role of two.

You can buy such an accordion today inexpensively compared to models from Germany intended for training. Despite the fact that the accordion has various reviews and there is criticism of the instrument, it is considered ideal for teaching children.

A bit of nationality

There are not so few folk instruments; each nation has its own. The Slavs were distinguished by the quantity and quality of models. Some of the first instruments of the Slavs are:

1. Balalaika.
2. Accordion.
3. Tambourine.
4. Dudka.

1) The balalaika, along with the accordion, is considered a symbol of Russia and is perceived as the most widespread instrument. Historians do not answer when exactly the balalaika appeared; the approximate date is considered to be the 17th century. Balalaika is a body triangular shape and three strings, the vibration of which leads to the appearance of music.

The balalaika acquired its modern appearance in 1833, thanks to the musician Vasily Andreev, who began improving the balalaika.

2) The button accordion is a type of hand accordion that was designed by a Bavarian master. A similar type of accordion was discovered in Russia in 1892. In 1907, a master from St. Petersburg, Pyotr Egorovich Sterligov, made an instrument for harmonica player Yakov Fedorovich Orlansky-Titarenky. The work took the master about two years. And the instrument received its name in honor of the singer and storyteller named Bayan.

3) Tambourine is an instrument of indefinite pitch in different cultures has its own varieties. It is a circle covered with leather on both sides; metal bells or rings were also attached to the tambourine. Tambourines had different sizes and were often used for shamanic rituals.

But there is also an orchestral tambourine - the most common instrument today. A plastic tambourine is a round wooden hoop covered with leather or other membrane.

4) The pipe is a type of folk wind instrument that was common in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The pipe is a small tube with holes.

Keyboard instruments

One of the most famous instruments, which has survived to this day, is considered an organ. Its original design had its own peculiarities: the organ keys were so large that they had to be pressed with your fists. The sound of the organ invariably accompanied church services. This instrument dates back to the Middle Ages.

The clavichord is very similar to the piano, but its sound was quiet, so there was no point in playing the clavichord in front of a large number of people. The clavichord was used for evenings and playing music at home. The instrument had keys that were pressed with your fingers. Bach had a clavichord, he played musical works on it.

The clavichord was replaced by the piano in 1703. The inventor of this instrument was a master from Spain, Bartolomeo Cristofori, who made instruments for the Medici family. He called his invention “an instrument that plays quietly and loudly.” The principle of operation of the piano was as follows: the keys had to be struck with a hammer, and there was also a mechanism for returning the hammer to its place.

The hammer struck a key, the key struck a string and caused it to vibrate, causing a sound; there were no pedals or dampers. Later, the piano was modified: a device was made that helped the hammer lower halfway. The modernization has significantly improved the sound quality and facilitated the process of playing music.

There are quite a lot of ancient instruments; this concept includes models of Slavic culture, accordions made in the USSR and violins from the time of Antonio Stradivari. It is difficult to find such an exhibit in private collections; for the most part, you can admire rare instruments in various museums. But some models are successfully sold at auctions, asking buyers to pay not too much for the instruments. high price. Unless, of course, we are talking about specimens that fall under the concept of “antiques”.