Instruments

Slavic Musical Tradition

From the mist‑shrouded forests of the Carpathians to the windswept steppes of the East European plains, the Slavic peoples have cultivated a rich musical heritage that mirrors the diversity of their cultures and landscapes. Central to this heritage are a handful of folk instruments whose timbres have become synonymous with the soundscape of Eastern Europe. In this article we explore six emblematic Slavic instruments—the gusli, accordion, balalaika, dorma, rozhok, and dudka—tracing their origins, construction, playing techniques, and cultural significance.