Every country and every nation has its own folk musical instruments. In Russia, this is accordion and balalaika. To date, there are five types of balalaika: prima, second, viola, bass and double bass. The last of the above - the largest of its kind and plays a very important role in the orchestra - plays the bass part.
What is a balalaika
Balalaika is a Russian folk triangular three-stringed plucked musical instrument.
Traditionally, they play the balalaika, striking simultaneously with all three strings with their fingers. However, after at the end of the nineteenth century it turned from a folk instrument into a concert instrument, the playing styles on it appeared the most diverse.
The sizes of balalaika range from sixty centimeters to more than one and a half meters. The number of frets for different types of instruments of this type is different. So the smallest balalaika - prima has from nineteen to twenty-four frets (depending on the specific model). This is due to the fact that she is the only one of the balalaika is a solo instrument. But the biggest balalaika usually has sixteen to seventeen frets.
As a rule, metal strings are placed on the balalaika , although in some cases nylon strings are also used. In olden times, only one string of this instrument was metal, the other two were made of animal veins.
The development of this instrument is connected with the name of the famous Russian musician and composer Vasily Andreev, who drew attention to folk musical instruments, finalized them and created the first orchestra of them. In addition, he wrote a music program for his orchestra. Also, Andreev made serious adjustments to the appearance of the instrument. So, with his light hand, balalaikas began to be made from a combination of several tree species - most often spruce and beech.
Features that balalaika-double bass has
Of the entire “family” of balalaika, the double-bass is not only the largest, but also the most powerful musical instrument in its sound. Also, a large balalaika has the lowest tone. In fact, in the orchestra it plays the role of a bass (not to be confused with a balalaika-bass).
As a rule, a large balalaika musical instrument reaches 1.6-1.7 m in length. There are sixteen, usually seventeen frets, on the fretboard. In all other respects, the double-bass balalaika is no different in appearance from the other instruments of its group.
It is believed that a large balalaika was created by analogy with the domra-contrabass, which is why these instruments even have the same musical system.
How to play this bulky musical instrument
Most species of balalaika are held in hands while playing on them. But to keep such a colossus as a balalaika-double bass will not work. Therefore, in order to be able to play on it, the corner of the instrument is placed on a special iron spire. This device not only serves as a support, but also helps to lengthen the sound and add volume to it.
This instrument is most often played with a plectrum (a giant, compared to conventional, mediator made of leather - 0.6x0.6 cm).
However, in some cases, to extract softer sounds from the instrument, they can play with the thumb.
Compared to the balalaika bass, this one is much harder to play. Not only because of the size, but also because of the very thick strings. Indeed, in order to get the desired sound, during the game you need to press them well on frets.
Sound features
Three strings of a double bass balalaika (in an open position) have a different system from the others - E major, A major and D major. Only domra double bass has such a structure among musical instruments, it allows you to expand the range of the instrument's sound - from the note of the Mi controctave to the Salt of the Small Octave. In other words, the full range of the big balalaika is two octaves and three semitones.
An interesting fact for the convenience of reading notes: in the score for balalaika-double bass they are written an octave higher than they sound in reality.
Principles of playing this musical instrument
The giant size of the balalaika allows the performer to play it either standing or sitting. Soloist, the performer, as a rule, plays standing, but always sits in the orchestra.
Another important detail is that when playing a large balalaika, the performer should not come into contact with clothing or body with a musical instrument. This is important because in this case, the sound of the instrument resonates better and is cleaner and louder.
Today, seeing a man carrying an instrument called a balalaika double bass, it’s hard to resist a smile. Indeed, despite the "solid" age, many are not yet accustomed to this musical instrument. Meanwhile, all over the world they are already beginning to show remarkable interest in this popular Russian instrument, due to its unusual deep sound, with which you can convey the sound of rain, sea storm and much more.