Musical Instruments
Russian musical traditions feature a variety of instruments, with the balalaika, domra, gusli, and bayan (button accordion) being particularly well-known. Other instruments include the gudok (a bowed instrument), various percussion instruments like the treshchotka, and even spoons used rhythmically.
- Balalaika: This three-stringed, triangular instrument is one of the most recognizable Russian instruments, played with fingers or a plectrum. It comes in various sizes and is often used in balalaika orchestras. (See figure 5)
- Domra: A round string instrument, the domra is used in both folk and classical music, providing a unique sound that enhances Russian musical traditions.
- Gusli: One of the oldest known Slavic instruments, the gusli is a plucked string instrument that can resemble a harp or a dulcimer.
- Bayan (Button Accordion): While not exclusively Russian, the bayan is a button accordion that is widely used in Russian folk music.
- Gudok: This three-stringed bowed instrument is another traditional instrument, often played vertically.
- Treshchotka: This percussion instrument is used to imitate hand clapping.
- Spoons: These are used as percussion instruments to create rhythmic patterns.
Figure 5
Balalaika (Russian musical instrument)
Dance
Russian cultural dances are a vibrant part of the country's heritage, featuring a diverse range of styles and origins. Some of the most well-known examples include the khorovod, a circle dance with a ritualistic element performed in a range of East Slavic cultures, and the kalinka, a lively couple dance, often incorporating acrobatics. Other popular styles include the kamarinskaya, a dance with squatting steps, the berezka, which features dancers appearing to float, and the trepak, a spirited Russian and Ukrainian folk dance known for its jumping and lively steps. These dances are often performed with traditional costumes and music, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Russia, Ukraine, and other East Slavic communities.
Elaboration:
- Khorovod: This is a traditional Slavic circle dance often associated with holidays and rituals. It involves dancers holding hands and moving in a circle, creating a sense of community and unity.
- Kalinka: A dynamic couple dance, kalinka is known for its energy and acrobatic moves. Dancers often combine stomping steps, squatting, jumping, and even acrobatic turns.
- Kamarinskaya: This dance is known for its unique squatting steps, often performed to the music of the same name. It showcases the grace and power of Russian folk dance.
- Berezka: This dance is characterized by its flowing movements and the dancers’ ability to appear to float in mid-air. It’s a visually stunning example of Russian folkdance artistry.
- Trepak: A lively and energetic dance, trepak features jumping and lively steps, often performed with a sense of fun and excitement.
Other Notable Dances: Russia also boasts a wide variety of other folk dances, including the hopak, a Ukrainian folk dance with Cossack origins, and various regional dances reflecting the diverse ethnic groups within Russia. The barynya, a fast-paced dance, and the chechotka, a tap dance performed with bast shoes, are also part of the rich tapestry of Russian folk dance.
Clothing (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1982)
Traditional Russian clothing varies by region, often made with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
- Sarafan: A traditional dress worn by women, the sarafan is often accompanied by a blouse and a headscarf, reflecting regional styles.
- Cossack Attire: Men often wear Cossack uniforms that include a long coat, boots, and a fur hat, representing a proud historical legacy.
Traditional Russian costume consists of straight, flowing lines. Beginning at the turn of the 18th century, the sarafan became the most popular article of peasant women’s clothing in the northern and central regions of the Russian empire. Sarafans were regularly worn until well into the 20th century, having first been mentioned in chronicles dating back to the year 1376. The origin of the term sarafan lies in Persia, but the structure of the sarafan was inspired by Viking women’s clothing. Old Russia cultivated, especially during the era of the Grand Principality of Moscow, strong ties to Western Asia and Southwest Asia and served also as an intermediary in the trade between European countries like Sweden, and Asian countries like Persia, and what is today Turkey. The sarafan most likely originated from a kaftan-like costume that was worn in Russia by women and men. Through trade with central Europe, the quality and color of clothes grew. Sarafans originally had a tighter form but became wider through the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
After the reforms of Peter the Great, which also introduced various westernized or modernized cultural standards to Russia (with contention), only peasants wore the sarafan for daily use, while the upper classes switched to western European fashion.
In many areas of the former Grand Principality of Moscow and today’s southern Russia ponyova skirts were also worn by women. Today the garment is most often seen at performances of Russian folk song and dance, and is worn on Russian folk and religious holidays. Designers from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine are re-imagining the sarafan style with its old national heritage for the 21st century as a summertime light dress that can be with its modern shape a part of a woman’s wardrobe today. The outer layer of a matryoshka doll is traditionally depicted as wearing a sarafan.
Exploring the musical instruments, dance styles, and clothing of Native American, Panamanian, and Russian cultures allows students to appreciate the richness of these traditions. By engaging with these diverse elements, learners can build a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. Embracing cultural diversity fosters respect and curiosity, paving the way for a more connected global community.
