To this day, vocal instrumental ensembles (VIA) remain truly popular. They are professional as well as amateur musical groups hailing from the USSR. The heyday of ensembles fell on 60 - 80 years of the last century. The term was previously perceived as a synonym for the concept of “musical group”, therefore it was used even in relation to foreign artists. However, subsequently VIA began to be associated only with Soviet groups performing in such genres as pop, folk, rock.
Features of the history of VIA
Collectives began to appear in the USSR in the 60s of the last century. Soviet youth showed special reverence and reverential attitude to the popular trends of Western music, as a result of which local groups sought to become analogues of Western celebrities, but at the same time, an ideological correction was manifested in the work. Due to the fact that it was impossible to call representatives of the musical world rock groups, creative people went down in history as Soviet vocal instrumental ensembles. VIA could be created at various cultural institutions, including local philharmonic societies, theaters, as well as concert associations. Among the representatives of the musical world who managed to achieve a high level of popularity, it should be noted the associations Vanguard, Singing Guitars, and Funny Guys.
Structure
In most cases, vocal instrumental ensembles consisted of at least six people. But sometimes the number of participants reached ten and even exceeded this figure. The team consisted of several vocalists, multi-instrumentalists, artistic and musical directors. The participants changed, and different songs were performed by various soloists. It should be noted that the vocal instrumental ensembles of the USSR were always created only from professionals with a very high level of skill, which contributed to the successful development of groups.
What were the VIA?
To achieve popularity, groups should strive to please their listeners, admirers. This was achieved only if there was a special approach to the performance of various songs. It was supposed to use a set of musical instruments, including electric guitars, drums, keyboards, sound amplification equipment. In most cases, an additional wind section was used to determine the proximity of the VIA to folk sources. Among such well-known groups are Ariel, Kobza, Pesnyary. In Soviet times, unfortunately, vocal instrumental ensembles faced numerous restrictions on the appearance and manner of behavior on the stage. The requirements were explained by ideological considerations. Artists had to choose blazer suits or folk clothes, military uniforms. Active activity on the stage was banned, because the members of the teams stood almost motionless. VIA's repertoire included a variety of songs in the following styles: folk, folk, disco, rock. At the same time, all vocal instrumental ensembles had to abide by certain rules that were unchanged. This corresponded to the requirements of the ideology of the USSR.
Conclusion
Now you know the meaning of the term “vocal instrumental ensemble”. The name "Earthlings" is still remembered by millions of people. Also among the most famous groups should be mentioned "Ariel", "Songs", "Red Poppies", "Funny Guys". In the XXI century, you can get acquainted with the work of VIA and make a personal impression of them.