Balalaika: Performing Traditions of the Orenburg Region in the XIX – Mid-XX Century

Abstract

The aim of the study is to shed light on the traditions of performing on the balalaika in the Orenburg region in the XIX – mid-XX century. Using archival documents and press publications, the paper considers various areas of performing on the balalaika in the Orenburg region during the specified period – solo performance, ensemble performance and orchestra performance. The study is novel in that it consistently traces the stages of the emergence, formation and further development of balalaika art in the musical culture of the Orenburg region. As a result of the study, it has been shown that the continued interest of Orenburg residents in the balalaika since the XIX century and up to the 1950s contributed to the cultural enlightenment of citizens, the creation of student, amateur and professional musical groups, the opening of classes for folk instruments and the subsequent professionalisation of music education in the region.