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The Balalaika represents the musical heart and soul of the Russian people. Evolved in a number of sizes (alto, bass, double-bass) and virtually forgotten throughout the middle ages today it's popularity has been revived and it is now the national instrument of Russia. Also it has gained popularity in Poland and Ukraine.  More recently the Balalaika finds mention in the 1965 multiple Oscar award winning movie "Dr Zhivago". The plot centers with the death of the Mother of the Main character named Yuri Zhivago leaving him only with a "Balalaika". Yuri grows up as an adopted child in the backdrop of the Russian revolution, becoming a Medical doctor and more of a Poet. Concerned about human suffering his life is torn between two lovers( His wife Tonya and Lover Lara) and political turmoil. Years after he is gone his half brother Yevgraf strongly searching for Yuri's daughter finds a young girl seemingly born in Mongolia and now an Orphan.He does feel that the girl Tanya Komarova is Yuri's and Lara's daughter, he is still not convinced. But as Tanya leaves, Yevgraf notices that she carries a balalaika, an instrument that Yuri's mother was renowned for playing. Questioning her further, he learns that Tanya is self-taught—in fact, her fiancé proclaims her an 'artist' with the balalaika. Yevgraf smiles, "Ah. Then it's a gift," thereby implying she truly must be Yuri's and Lara's daughter after all. The above picture is taken at San Antonio, TX , USA on March 12 2012. |