Сергей Ульянов

 As I said below, Russian accordeons are the best in the world, and, of course, have a great tradition.
Top: Lenin's twin-brother with his баян.
Bottom: ànd Trotsky!

Огонек-2

I will nòt show you the other pics I found, but I can assure you - they were having a good time...
Anyway - then I remembered that the best accordeons (we call them pull-bag: "trekzak") traditionally were made in Italy ànd Russia.
Next visit I will definitely try and buy a баян, if I can find one.

Trans Siberian Orchestra

16. Jenner in Düsseldorf!

Siberische ijsdrummers

Leuk filmpje over drummers die het ijs gebruiken als instrument youtube

Аккордеон, Баян

Just surfing, stumbled over this picture (from Vladimiryo) and suddenly remembered: Russian accordeons are among the best in the world. Thàt would be a nice souvenir!

Модест Петрович Мусоргский

Баидура (2)

Yes, I should give you a little more information about the Bandoura I showed you yesterday.
You can see the two parts of the instrument. The right is for melody, the left for accompaniment, roughly.
On the run-of-the-mill, mostly black "Anton Karas" Zither are six defined 4-string chords; the more sophisticated, often brown ones (like these two) have a "guitar-neck" so you can combine your own chords.

C romapryst

Бандура

 I did promise you some really Russian music, but you'll have to wait a bit, my music-store has a problem.
But: I received some film from Украiна, and that's not Russia of course, but better than Lehar (below).
On the stamps a Bandoura, never heard of it, looks like a Zither to me. The band is called Дзвiнга (Swing!)(?)
and look what Luciano Carvari's photographer did to her!

Русская музыка

While testing my new balaklava (ooooh, thàt's easy on the ears, so comfortable) I keep humming:  Vodjenka stúúúdena jako led jako led... yes I know it's not Russian, but I sang that on my conservatoire-exam, "Westslawische Volkslieder".
And that famous "Wolgalied" also is not Russian, but I do like the style very much.

 I promise: next time real Russian Music!