«Dazzling! Inimitable! Fantastic!» – these are typical reactions to performances by the Ossipov Balalaika Orchestra. Susan Arons from Classical Artist International said: «I have never been a folklore buff, but from that moment I discovered for myself the beauty of folk music. It is simply magnificent!»

Balalaika – the name of the instrument alone transports us into the colorful world of Russian folk music. And no other orchestra has contributed so much to the popularity of this beautiful Russian music than the Ossipov Balalaika Orchestra. The ensemble, founded by Boris Troyanovsky and Pyotr Alekseyev in 1919, made its premiere in Moscow’s Hermitage Gardens. It was soon touring throughout Russia, and the commencement of regular performances on radio in 1924 made their name known in even the most remote parts of the country.

A new stage in the orchestra’s history began when Nikolai Ossipov (followed by his brother Dmitri) took over the conductor’s stand in 1940. The orchestra’s repertoire was enlarged by arrangements of Russian classical music, and leading composers such as N. Budashkin, A. Novikov and A. Kholminov soon followed by writing works especially for the orchestra.

A long line of outstanding conductors has since led the ensemble, now in the formidable hands of Nikolai Kalinin, who assumed the artistic direction in 1979. In addition to continuing the tradition and level of musicianship that Nikolai and Dmitri Ossipov established, Kalinin has promoted various chamber ensembles and individual soloists within the ensemble and has encouraged contemporary Russian composers to create original works for the orchestra.

The two CDs Claves CD 50-9623, Russian Classical Music, and Claves CD 50-9624, Russian Folk Music, are the first two recordings in a very promising series which will document the complete and vivid history of this amazing orchestra.