Rak, Stepán: Balalaika

Št?pán Rak's Balalaika is an original virtuoso guitar solo based on a medley of Russian folk tunes employing some of Rak’s innovative right-hand techniques. Dedicated to Mikhail Gorbachiov. “ . . . Rak’s works are often difficult technically, but this piece, based on a Russian folk melody, is approachable. His music is often challenging to listeners as well, but here Rak has joined the many twentieth-century composers who appeal to a wider audience through the use of conventional harmonies and folk tunes . . . Balalaika can be thought of as one big crescendo. Lasting for eight minutes, it is a test of the guitarist’s skill in creating and sustaining a sense of drama on the stage . . . " Michael Curtis, Guitar Review