Music

Hear music history from Beethoven to rock.

Upgrade to Britannica Online

Take a tour, New improved britannica online

Imagine Britannica's 32-volume encyclopedia online right there for you, plus full access to articles. Amazing content, written by world experts, that you can cite for projects and assignments.

Click here for Britannica shop

balalaika

Russian stringed instrument with a triangular body, three strings, and movable frets on its fingerboard. It comes in six sizes, from piccolo to double bass. It developed in the 18th century from the dombra. It has been primarily a solo folk instrument for accompanying song and dance, but is also played in large balalaika orchestras.

Find more information on balalaika. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on balalaika.

  • Britannica, just as colourful as Singapore
  • Singapore is a legendary city. Britannica has a legendary reputation for knowledge. With just a few clicks you can access all the quality information you can trust, online.