Balalaika: Russia's Most Beautiful Songs

This is a lovely collection of iconic Russian music! It contains some soulful sad songs and some wildly feisty songs. If you are looking for something to listen to while you cook borscht or read Lermontov, or just want a small taste of the 'sound' of this beautiful country, this will put you in the mood.

This is a great CD. I was blown away by the dexterity of the playing. I am not an expert on Balalaika, but I have heard this instrument both live and on other CDs. I have never heard it so well played as on this CD. The musical selections were exciting.

I bought this album for my husband after he watched home videos of his Russian side of the family set to the Russian folk songs he remembered hearing in his grandparents house while growing up. I searched a long time to find an album that has that quintessential Russian sound - this one definitely does not disappoint. He loves it so much, he bought it for his mother for her birthday...brought tears to her eyes with all the many wonderful memories of her parents who have now passed on.

There are a lot of perennial Russian folk favorites in this selection that seem to be revitalized by the "Stars of Saint Petersburg" balaika arrangements. I bought this CD a few weeks back and have not tired of listening to it. A refreshing edition to any world music collection.

GOD, I LOVE THIS CD!! I recently purchased several different CDs of Russian folk music, a number of which were quite good--but this one shines out above all the others. Extremely lively, energetic, delightful renditions of classic folk songs, with virtuoso performances on the balalaika, accordion, and other traditional instruments. I have small collections of folk music recordings from various traditions, including Irish, Scottish, Spanish, Latin American, South African, etc., which include some blisteringly good CDs. This one is the equal of any of them. It is one of those rare CDs that is unrelentingly excellent and sparkles and crackles with energy all the way through. Only a dead person would not enjoy this CD. [Or maybe dead people would, too?]