Gusli: Lullaby by Shakhanov

[SvetoslavStrezhevoy]

mesmorising, rusian soul and endless beauty!

[ibisu]

This is amazing keep the art flowing

[Lu3Zak]

Эти звуки из другого мира

волшебно играл

[grittygreenhorn]

I closed my eyes near the end and felt the world spinning around me. I did not take any drugs, though I did have a few spoonfuls of granular honeybee pollen before listening!

[MJ23Allen3]

Красиво.

[drago884]

QUESTION: Does anyone know where a 'Gusli' instrument like this can be purchased for a decent price? I know quality = expensive but I was hoping I could fine one for a few hundred and not a few thousand, like the ones for sale that I have been able to find so far!

Beautiful performance by the way!

[momongapatapata6848]

beautiful.

[edrevazov]

bravooo!!!



[DigitalWorldy]

So beautiful that I asked my dad to buy me one when he flies to moscow, I want to learn to play on it now, and the first song I'l try to do is this one *.*

I want to play as good as you =D

[ovenofcreation]

powerful

yet

elegant

[thesonicassault]

absolutely beautiful. is there any way i might find mp3 versions of this recording?

[buckwheatsoul]

Amazing!

[KokoMcMonkey]

Lovely.

[Edithalba1844]

Absolutely wonderful!

[wedagor]

Оленька, благодарность тебе от Русской Души.

[mouseterapy]

this song is amazing congratulations!

[IceHeartPreist]

this is my first time to see and hear that instrument and it was beyond awsome

[Itzallii]

this is the first time i hear this instrument and u play it so well, it sounds soooo relaxing :D congrats

[goksicar91]

Beautifly played,i really liked it...i would like to bild and learn to play that instrument ...and if u have some tips,can u give it to me...and the tuning :D tnx in front :)

[Cinnamombunz]

Oh, I'm so glad I found this tonight. I share a different song with friends every night, and this is going to be such a wonderful gift. What a delight ... yes, 'magic' captures it very nicely. I wish it just went on and on and on and . . .

*¬◊

[crpederson]

I want to learn this on lever harp. Do you think it's possible?

[Olgagusli]

@crpederson

I think everything is possible :)

[JanaMaffetka]

@crpederson :-) it is possible and it sound great. But tremolos are harder, those who play latin harp can find it more easy than celtic players. I also replaced part played all in harmonics for tones in highest octave. It's great tune

[01herman]

Nice, love it!

[sorfobos]

such a magic performance

[efrainc23]

Beautiful, but always will find a couple of retarded that hate music

[ZammiBonet]

My lyrics: 0:0 Nighttime's very short my child 0:6: For you are quite young my child. 0:14 Come lie with me and dream, 0:21 Bedtime bell has rung my child. 0:27 Dreams may come 0:30 Dreams may go—go-o-o... 0:44 In our sleep we'll dare to dream, 0:49 Smiling for tomorrow. 0:54 Big the sky and deep is the sea, 0:59 No room for sorrow. 1:05 Sing, sing for my lovely. 1:08 Sing for her, moon and stars.

[lakenewell]

I heard the gusli for the first time on a trip to Russia last year. It is such a beautiful instrument. Your playing is wonderful, haunting at times. I don't know where you are. Do you ever give concerts in the San Francisco area? Thanks for the beautiful post.

[oracle2mountain]

Lady: am researching music to play for babies & their mothers as therapeutic: Glad to include your tune as one of these: Will be doing it on a chromatic mountain dulcimer (a crude and simplier version, of course). Thanks for your offering; I will use it well.

[sidediscussion]

I was overwhelmed by Olga's performance today. I have been watching Olga play for more than two years. It is like a miracle to be able to see you play just in front of me at a small church, Tokyo, Japan. Today February 02 is my memorable day. Thank you for your playing which almost made me cry when you played Lullaby. Kiyoko Kokuni

[gtrgdss]

Simply beautiful! I had never heard of this instrument - now I'm inclined to seek out more information on it. You are truly a master artist! Brava!

[nemesishand]

Очень красиво. 

[sidediscussion]

Ｉhave seen you playing Kantele. Your beautiful sensitive and amazing playing has been such a great memory for a long time. You are genious.

And I came to know that it is the same artist that I will happen to have a chance to see and appreciate your playing live in Tokyo. I am a lucky person to be able to have this chance. I am excited just to think of it. Kiyoko K

[kraft707726]

очень приятно слушать

[Olgagusli]

Thanks to everyone for your comments! I'm really glad to see such a great response! If you have some questions, please send them via private messages.

[XRedDaggerX]

Beautiful, just beautiful. I could just keep listening to this for ever!

[fridrixfanclub]

Love it!

[Braduta3]

amazing!... speechless!

[potentialavalanche]

The way she plays an arpeggio of notes before the final one is so great

[RodrighoLMoraes]

Amazing! Beautiful ^^

[murphy903]

Truly amazing! I so admire you're dedication and talent!

[Dullaandrea]

what is that she's playing on?

[zjazjalibu]

@Dullaandrea It's gusly - old Russian instrument. When i heard it in moscow underground i was amayzed.

[admirahongos]

que maravilloso!!! aca no usamos ese instrumento de cuerda

[admirahongos]

que maravilloso!!! aca no usamos ese instrumento de cuerda

[piobaireachdjongleur]

mesmerizing.

[slavicmusic]

The Best!

[daniloballo]

I often look at this video... especially when I want to dream for a while. Thank you Olga!

[thejoeyz]

I need not look any further...you are truly the Best!! Thank you for the music and the passion.

[Olgagusli]

@thejoeyz

Thank you for you kind words!

[Justusosaa]

Very lovely played. Kantele music is so beautiful.

[hgaby]

What is the name of this indstrument? Otherwise it's a very very beautiful song and it's in my favourites for months. Bravo Olga!!!!!

[galinka11]

@hgaby gusli

[MrBreigna]

Super super always Russia is the best country of the entire world!

[Alionalone]

congratulations... In my case I play the charango, that is a peruvian instrument =) Greetings from Lima-Peru

[utuberoxmysox]

Amazing and beautiful <3 <3

[Olgagusli]

@utuberoxmysox Thanks!

[AnushadFab]

that's really beautiful! thank you, Olga, for sharing your talent with us!:)

[Olgagusli]

@AnushadFab Thank you!

[overgroundpropaganda]

Sooooo cool :)

[faustinutub]

really amazing melody. i also want to make gusli soon. как-никак это моё родное ^_^_^

[lakenewell]

Your playing is beautiful. Yesterday I just got back from a trip to Russia and saw the Gusli played in front of a church for the first time on that trip. Thank you for this wonderful posting. I will listen to it many more times. How long have you been playing?

[mobmbk51]

yeah!!!Sa gère le kantele.

[roharps]

Olga, your rendition of this lullaby is truly breathtakingly beautiful - thank you! What is the name of that lullaby?

[Olgagusli]

@roharps

Thank you for your nice words! In Russian it is "Drema" which literally translates as "a dream".

[Namri]

Oh my goodness! :D I want a music box with that melody! Well done!

[YAS9112]

Speechless !!! :O

Love from Canada

[Olgagusli]

Thank you!

[IshadaKatzteilov]

Ihana. Kaunis.

[wedagor]

Браво!!!!! Fielen-fielen Dank!!!!!

[VeritasEtSeveritas]

This is so beautiful... I keep coming back here on lonely nights. The melody is haunting. And your interpretation... it's just magical.

[hmoy24677]

The same happened to me for months! I absolutely LOVE Olga's gusli playing

[Olgagusli]

Thanks guys! That's very nice :)

[hgaby]

Does anyone know what's the name this instument?

[Olgagusli]

@hgaby

It's called gusli

[lyselampe]

Kantele :)

[voxlibertatis]

@lyselampe It is not a kantele. It is the russian traditional instrument - gusli.

[yidneth]

The ammount of passion and feeling you really show performing really sounds in the music. Congratulations.

[Olgagusli]

@yidneth

Thanks Priscilla!

[UkrEugene]

Потрясен!

[crpederson]

This is a most wonderful song, wonderful instrument and wonderful player.

[Olgagusli]

Thank you very much!

[macchedavverodavvero]

molto bello

[Rafalmeidaa]

this instrument has russian origins?

[Olgagusli]

Gusli IS a Russian instrument, but it has its relatives all around the world e.g. kantele, kannel, kokle, kankles, kanun, autoharp etc and etc

[InnerflamesUnLtd]

Still amazing!

Where can I purchase the album?

[Olgagusli]

@InnerflamesUnLtd

If you give me your email, I can send you all the information on how to buy it!

[Aibhillser]

Lindo.

Wonderful.

-

Brazil

[LadyGita]

Kokles skaņas... Tik ļoti mīlu...

[Joonavainio]

This is very nice. It shows the clear distinction between Finnish and Russian kantele style, though. Whoever the girl is (maybe the poster herself - I am too lazy to find out).

Major difference nr. 1 is, in Finnish kantele music you do not trill the strings like a lute or a balalaika, but keep it simple. Nevertheless, thank you for this display of skill although style differs.

[Ron194720]

On Konstantine Shakhanovs CD this song is listed as #6 "Birch Forest" and Lullaby is #9 ---- Which song is this ?

Both songs are wonderful

[Joonavainio]

This is not Shakanov's composition. It is based on a folk song so old nobody knows who "made it". Just one interpretation of it. But as I said, a nice one.

[Olgagusli]

That IS Shakhanov's Lullaby but like joonavainio mentioned, it's really based on some old song that was sung even to my grandfather when he was a child.

[Joonavainio]

Please, I meant no offence. This is most probably Shakhanov's adaptation of an old folk tune. And a nice one. That's what I meant, nothing bad. On the contrary, I appreciate the different Slavic style as well.

[AshleyAaah]

Listening to this song nearly made me cry.

[AshleyAaah]

Oh wow... It's wonderful...

[Ron194720]

A wonderful performance

Truly a gifted artist

Where can you buy a Gusli like this? I can't find one in the U.S.A.

[Olgagusli]

Not yet Ron. Hopefully soon!

[77Andee77]

soumen.........

[pushmss]

Oh God, it was great... Amazing song, amazing player.

[Olgagusli]

Thanks! =)

[Afro3200]

a beautyfull woman playing a beautyfull instrument

[InnerflamesUnLtd]

Nostalgic!

Insane how this isn't used in "modern" music.

Would be interesting to know, is this tuned to "standardized" notes?

[Olgagusli]

not sure exactly what you mean by that, but yes, the notes are completely "normal"

[77Andee77]

olekto tämä kantele = playn kalevala ??

sry,,,im half suoemn,,its realy imporrtent fot me to know

[77Andee77]

kantele ............

[Olgagusli]

Thanks glorplaxy!

[ponetak]

this is gorgeous. i have a couple questions: 1) what type of gulsi is this? 2) is it chromatic scale? 2) what is the range?

[Olgagusli]

Hi ponetak, answering the questions: 1) wing-shaped 15-string gusli 2) no, it's got diatonic scale. Check out my videos with the chromatic one - that's a totally different instrument 3) c#1-c#3

[KurrieBear]

Haunting. :D It'd be pretty cool to see the audio interference cleared up (and to pick this up as an .mp3 download).

[DanCeekey]

Wow!

This is brilliant.

Is there an angel whispering in your ear when you play this? 5 stars!!!

[sweavo]

:) admit it though: you're proud (well you should be!)

[Olgagusli]

Haha, well I could say so! ;)

[sweavo]

her expression at the end is like a gangsta rapper, daring you to step up and challenge her skillz

[Olgagusli]

That's the most unique comment I've ever got :D

[xxLadyyy]

What a celestial sound... So, so harmonic..

[SkyMaster0]

Very very GOOOOOD!!!

[vitalybelyaev]

Великолепно!!! Очень красиво!! Спасибо!

[vikingsreturn]

waw, awesome, great, beautiful whatever u want

[xaviervelastin]

amazing :)

[sym78]

nice, interesting instrument

[sistersshahrazad]

Really great interpretation! Fulfilled with life, emotions, feelings! Thank you!

[aeolaus]

Enchanting!

[hmoy24677]

I will never get tired of listening to this.

Heavenly!

[onebigchef]

that was fantastic! I could see it being theraputic. :)

[simandr]

Awesome...

[Olgagusli]

This is gusli which is a Russian version of kantele.

[FeltDownHard]

Is this a regular kantele becaus ei taught they where tinier

[tubergomez]

Very Nice!

[Olgagusli]

Yes, it is one of the basic (and most difficult!) gusli techniques which you can also use on mandolin, domra, balalaika and other instruments.

[Olgagusli]

This is Gusli which is a Russian instrument. Finnish kantele is it's close relative

[Poodlepups]

so expressive. Is this a kantele or a gusli? New to both instruments.

[Myros00]

Truly, a beautiful piece... excellent work!

[Olgagusli]

I'm afraid I don't...that's an interesting question though. I could probably search for it on Internet.

[hmoy24677]

I´ve been doing some research on my own and still haven´t found anything. If you do, please send me the link, I would love to know. And thanks again for posting, you are the best!

[hmoy24677]

Olga, do you know the original lyrics for this lullaby? do you know the translation to english?

[hmoy24677]

i'm speechless!

[triplek2000]

How did you learn how to play like that? It set me in a trance. Such stunning music!

[e1nn]

very soothing, great work.

[hmoy24677]

Truly beautiful.

Are these songs russian?

[Olgagusli]

Yeah. It's written by Konstantin Shakhanov but it's based on the old Russian lullaby theme sung centuries ago.

[hmoy24677]

Nice. Thanks! don't ever stop posting, I'm deeply in love with your sound...

[rasputia]

This melody is stunning, and your expression is lovely.

[Neashadia]

Truly magical!

[burzorz]

It's really fantastic. Very, very beatiful. Is a fairy tune.

[Liraxtime]

Очень красивейше. Я люблю это нот.

I am attending Kantele workshop in Japan soon.

I love it very much.

[Olgagusli]

Thanks a lot for the comments.

[SolntsaSvet]

This instrument is called Гусли ("Gusli"), it's presumably the oldest Russian string instrument. Akin to Finnish Kantele and Baltic/Latvian Kokle.

Very nice composition! 5 stars.

[ulricus1]

Wunderbar !!! Es hat mir sehr gut gefallen!

[HURRACA2]

ОЧЕНЬ СЛОЖНЫЙ ИНСТРУМЕНТ, ИНТЕРЕСНО, ЭТО СОВРЕМЕННАЯ МОДИФИКАЦИЯ, ИЛИ ОН ТАК ЖЕ ЗВУЧАЛ РАНЬШЕ?

[Kantele]

Wow. Very beautiful sound and tune. This is something like the Kantele right? I want to get one for myself. Amazing again!

[VantekHG]

Beautiful.

[Mahalgathol]

I'we got no words for it, just so wonderfull!

[MegMerrilies]

Lovely sound!

[YellowArcher]

This is absolutely incredible. One of the most beautiful things I have heard in my life.