Russian & Ukrainian music

[Olga]

I really like Alexander Malinin 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCCx5ai8pnU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQFSA0YtvfM&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDOtWj5xCeM&mode=related&search=

[Olga]

Yuri Antonov is also one of my favorite singers

"Mirror"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07HSDGFPP1o

Do not say me "goodbye"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9hL6DkgOeI&mode=related&search=

[mendeleyev]

Olga, thanks for the links and sharing some of your favourites!  I had heard Yuri Antonov's voice before and enjoyed his style but didn't know his name or how to search his songs.  Now we can expand his "library" here in the future.

Thanks also for the Alexander Malinin links.  My wife likes the art theme in this Alexander Malinin song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDOtWj5xCeM&mode

Olga, perhaps you might help us with something.  If you would be so kind, please tell us some interesting things about the famous Russian Balalaika.  Maybe you can tell us some of the history, styles and traditions behind this most beautiful instrument and share links of some Balalaika songs we can enjoy.

[Olga]

Balalaika 


Historian-musicologists have not came to an agreement about a direct descent of balalaika. Some historians consider that a balalaika is a Russian musical instrument and other historians think that a Russian balalaika has it's background from Kirghiz - Kaisak  instruments that called komuz or from Kazakh dombra.  Most of historians hold the opinion that a balalaika has came into Russia during the time of Tatar - Mongolian empire. 

komuz


dombra


The first time when a word balalaika was mentioned is historical sources of 1688.

[Olga]

Balalaika - Aleksei Arkhipovsky - Manege - Moscow 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R145MXyUJU

[mendeleyev]

Olga, thank you for your assistance with this project.  For those like myself just learning to appreciate this wonderful instrument, we appreciate your contribution to the knowledge of the Balalaika.

Have you heard of the famous Russian Balalaika player Mikhail Rozhkov?


In folk music the Balalaika is often paired with a guitar and accordian:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwZGg5woDoc&mode


Used in dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIp5jO1Nk38&mode=related&search=


And the Balalaika can go modern also!  Here are superstar singers Alex Panaiotov & Alex Chumakov with their hit "Balalaika."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVWyxXXfeYw


For many of us the first real memory we have of the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Balalaika are from the song "Lara's Theme" (also known as "Somewhere My Love") from the movie Dr Zhivago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC2Bk8f8plU
(The images here are stunning!)



PS... for those interested in learning more about the man who is perhaps one of the greatest Balalaika players in recent times, here is some additional info about Mikhail Rozhov.  His musical ability has earned him a spot in the famous USA Smithsonian Museum.  Purchase his CD's here:
http://www.musicfayre.com/classical_music/item/RCD16202.html.en

This is a video on YouTube with a visit to the home of Rozhkov in Moscow.  Watch as he puts on his coat with it's many decorations and medals (a tradition among older Russian men) before he speaks to the camera and displays his many newspaper clippings and awards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d5sYS7FJjY

[mendeleyev]

Russian Folk Songs: Kalinka

Have you ever been at a party where a “songfest” broke out?  Likely not in America or Britain, but in Russia or Ukraine it is very common.  Whether a simple singing of songs with guests after dinner or singing together as part of a wedding, family reunion, birthday party or New Year’s party, Russians love to sing their traditional songs when in the company of other Russians.

And perhaps no single song is more celebrated in Russia than Калинка (“Kalinka.”)  If you’ve not yet heard this song get ready…it combines the best of old world festive moods and tonight is presented in a variety of settings and styles.  But I'm betting that you already know it.  So now let's get to know it even better.  Kalinka is really not that old, written in 1860 by the composer and folklorist Ivan Petrovich Larionov, it has earned a spot at the top of Russian folk songs.

Since most of our members are here for reasons related to marriage, we’ll start with a very contemporary version.  Ladies and Gentlemen, KALINKA!

Калинка is often sung at wedding parties.  At this imaginary wedding party in Moscow, with the lights of the Kremlin softly accenting the background, famous Belgian singer Helmut Lotti performs a rousing version with the wedding party singing along in true Russian fashion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Srk5SpVTsE



No version of Kalinka would be complete without being sung by the Russian Red Army Choir…live in concert!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_A7Hu0uKNw



Young people find ways to merge the very old-world and traditional sound of this Russian classic into new styles.   These 3 beautiful young lady musicians have added some new modern styles to Kalinka by combining the sounds of the Balalaika and their violins:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClG2IIh4I3c



Kalinka as played and sung in a Russian home with their family and friends.  Notice that the singers include everyone—young and old.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbDUNiI0MzI



We westerners need to understand that Kalinka is not just about the music, it’s also about the dancing.  And that dancing comes in many styles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWo9lPKEFFk



Whether on land or out on the ice, Kalinka fits in anywhere:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z47sThQ3ILY



Okay, I know some of you guys want to see the song being performed by young Russian ladies in mini-skirts.  I saved this one just for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQpp5LEEaj0


Footnote:
For those who'd like to know more about the fabulous Belgian tenor Helmut Lotti, here is his website:  http://www.helmutlotti.be/
One of his CDs is entitled, "From Russia with Love."

[mendeleyev]

Russian folk song "Korobushka"


Korobushka is a very traditional Russian folk song and we'll serve up several renditions for variety.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg0N3xhOzc8



Instrumental version with violins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj2FurwJ5JQ


Traditional ethnic presentation with Cossack costumes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b1Ci7uAEkc


By accordion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuoDbJXR0fE&feature=related

[mendeleyev]

Wedding songs and dances


My first experience with Russians dancing in public was at an Uzbek wedding.  In past years journalists were often carted off to various spots around what is now the former Soviet Union.  There we'd be expected to photo, write and record what our guides wanted us to photo, write and record.  So via bus, a group of us made the long and dusty ride to Tashkent for the experience.

When it came to dancing, I was astonished.  My first dancing lessons back in the USA had come at the hands of a Bulgarian staff at a popular American dance studio franchise that can be seen in strip-shopping centers in most large USA cities.  Boy was I in for a big surprise!  Men dancing with the men, ladies with the ladies (Tashkent is in Muslim territory you know, we just can't have a man dancing with a woman.)

Well while enjoying that experience, I've come to learn that not everyone who speaks Russian dances like the Uzbeks.    So with that in mind let's enjoy some variety of styles and nationalities within the greater Russian culture and group of nationalities.


A gypsy girl dances at a restaurant:  Get off the main avenues of Moscow, Petrograd and Kyiv and this is a scene you'll see repeated time after time after time.  Russia and Ukaine don't have the same kind of liquor licenses and nightclub licenses as in the West so every restaurant can be a bar and have a dance floor if they wish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJd4et9dZRk



Command performance with some of the most beautiful Russian lady dancers in their costumes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEAo_QM1rVY


Let's talk about wedding dances.
Don't be shocked if some of the dances at your wedding look like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyM-rBVtW8k


Your wedding dances will have a serious side too.  Likely your bride will expect for the two of you to perform a special dance for your guests:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ogBminqgRw


Or it maybe this is the two of you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFWZPoPZqF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlqwUpAwLj4&


A common wedding tradition all across Europe, you can be certain this couple put in some time to practice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVSNXXrzowI&mode=related&search=Waltz%20Wedding


Every wedding dance needs a belly dancer!  Very common in Russian and Ukrainian weddings. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwAtgF3NC4


Russian Jewish wedding dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceG2eY_VUTo



No matter the occasion, no dance party would be complete without Russian pop music and girls in mini-skirts dancing to the the hit song "Natasha."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtDvcIvq8Pg


Finally, whether it's a silly skit while with friends at the dacha....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktSIPC5Z4GA


.......swing dancing to popular American oldies.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVyE510RpsQ


....or enacting the traditional styles of their history....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjXkgtMuTFI


.....Russians love to dance!



PS....what does an Uzbek wedding look like? 

Glad you asked:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPt-HMhGXaY


Belly dancers at an Uzbek wedding?  How many would you like?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY_ePNjVUl4


An American couple dance at a wedding in Tashkent.  Notice how people come up and hand them money?  I've seen this done in the handful of Uzbek weddings I've attended.  Likely these two are seen as guests of honour.  More money seems to go to the Belly dancers (duh!) and also to the bride and groom.   Uzbeks like to decorate a "money tree" also, a custom shared by many western cultures as well.  We all need money! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggvEyJK1ptA


Spontanteous singing will be a part of your wedding party.  Guests will perform songs or dances.  Your wife will likely dance for you!  And you and your bride will dance for your guests.

And don't be surprised if the entire wedding party breaks out in song once in a while for a traditional song.  As we featured traditional Russian songs on page 3:

"Калинка is often sung at wedding parties.  At this imaginary wedding party in Moscow, with the lights of the Kremlin softly accenting the background, famous Belgian singer Helmut Lotti performs a rousing version with the wedding party singing along in true Russian fashion."  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Srk5SpVTsE

[Qi Peng]

I would like to recommend a few more Russian musicians.

Of course, Fabrika as good as it is doesn't beat out the original girl group Blestyashchie hands down. Their music is upbeat and danceable. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blestyashchie

Oh, and Alsou is my personal favorite honestly with good songs and voice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsou

Add T.A.T.U. for some edgy more hardcore techno sounding/metallic pop. Very interesting results for sure.

and Smash is awesome too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash%21%21

finally Reflex is very cool. The trio is quite a fine dynamic for all of those involved.

[mendeleyev]

Qi Peng brought some great artists to our forum library!  First, here are several songs from his first group Blestyashchie (Блестящие).  Thanks Qi for selecting these beautiful ladies (and they can sing and dance, too)!


Чао, бамбина! "Chow Bambina, senorita."  Russian goes spanish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB4CXYSYOuw


And I Still Fly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bztjpFocYMc


Cha-cha-cha on Saturday Evening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YV-qQDIR5E


Clouds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxtIx1HXh_k


"Windows" is a very rare ballad from these ladies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DP9QpIImVY


This all-star ladies group has seen several ladies leave and each has been replaced by another just as beautiful.  Perhaps the most famous to make it to stardom on her own is the stunningly gorgeous superstar  Zhanna Friske (Жанна Фриске).  We'll devote another section to her soon but for now here is just a brief sample:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEHC6QeCVHA

(Qi, keep them coming...you have good taste!)

[Qi Peng]

Zhanna Friske has become more famous as the actress in the movies Nochnoi Dozor and Daywatch movies. Of course, you can consider her similar to how Mandy Moore has gone too.

[mendeleyev]

Not being familiar with Smash, I turned to Qi's prior reference to Wikipedia for some good information:

Smash!! was a Russian pop duo, consisting of black-haired Sergey Lazarev and blonde Vlad Topalov, founded in 2002. They sang mainly in English, and released their music in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. They were most popular among teenagers in Russia and Southeast Asia. The band split in 2005.


Wow, these guys are good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G23M9h79UCc


And another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2SF8e3JOW8


Then surprise!  A ballad I'd heard on Russian radio....just never knew the singer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6k-tebNnOQ


Where some of the girl grpuos rely on highly produced up temop dance songs, Sergey Lazarev knows how to put together a heart-felt and beautiful ballad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPrts3J6PHA


Thanks again Qi for adding to our library of Russian music!

[bgreed]

Olga,
Maybe you can help me with this.  Since I play guitar I would also like to learn to play balaliaka.  Problem is all I can find are those made in China.  Any thought where I might find one made in Russia or Ukraine.

Also In my TR I told about the wonderful fruit compote that my step mom inlaw makes. any thought on a recipe?

Thanks,

Gregg

[mendeleyev]

Reflex has been a Russian girl duo and sometimes a girl group with 3 or 4 members.  Very controversial with older Russians because of the lesbian overtones, these ladies aren't afraid to strut their stuff on stage and on video.  Not long after the popular lead singer Irina Nelson left the group, a Russian magazine went public with the news that new lead singer Alena Torganova used to make a living by posing nude for Russian adult publications. 

Make no mistake, these are gorgeous ladies but it could appear that they have no interest in being a Russian bride, or any man's bride, anytime soon.


Reflex--an early Russian hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzQnZlhRwmY


Pokazalos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1INH6iig14U


I love you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxTEIdMTh6o