Yablochko
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Yablochko, translated "Little Apple", is a Russian naval folk dance and song, and a part of the Russian naval culture, with Moldavian / Ukrainian origins. It was brought to Russia by the Black Sea sailors, while they sang it during their dances.
Originaly the song was taught orally and seems to be customary for Russian navy. According to anthology of Russian pre-revolution songs, locals would make up their own verses of the tune, so it may have changed from city to city, from village to village. Since the theme repeats itself, it is very easy to add variations and to make each verse more and more complicated. The song Yabloshko is of the chastushka style, which means "singing short frequent phrases". This was one of the most popular genres among the urban proletarial and rural peasantry, that developed during the last quarter of the 19th and into the 20th century. The musical genres of that time influenced the traditional songs through quickly spreading printed literary texts and the music of professional composers. |
When instruments were added to the song "Yablochko", it was written for Russian folk instruments, such as bayan and balalaika. Typically there was also added a lot of variation and improvisation to the original theme of the song, but it kept its easy four beat pattern to dance to, that gets faster overall.
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The song Yabloshko became especialy popular during the Crimean phase of the Russian Civil War (1918-1922) and it had a great number of verses, both in red and white camps. The title "Little apple" in fact has nothing to do with apples, with its verses commonly being related to the political issues of time. As pre-Russian revolution song, it talks about allying with the Bolsheviks, supporting Vladimir Lenin, and embracing the communist regime.
"The Russian Sailor's Dance" is a transcription of the Russian folk song Yabloshko. It is a choreographed version of the dance and first appeared in 1926 in "The Red Poppy", a ballet written by Reinhold Glière and from there on, "Yabloshko" is also known as "The Russian Sailor's Dance". According to the All Music Guide, the plot of "The Red Poppy" revolves around a Chinese girl, her manager and a Russian captain. The first act of the ballet closes with The Russian Sailor's Dance, which is the tune of Yabloshko, adapted for a full orchestra.
On the World Music Authenticity Score, the piece scores high with a 4, as it is a direct transcription and variation of a song of culture. By adapting a familiar folksong that praises the Blosheviks and the impending Russian Revolution, Glière shows pride in his country and culture. The song "Yablochko" was also used in a film "Heart of a dog" according to Bulgakov`s novel. Sources: http://www.vadimprokhorov.com/russian_folk_songs__musical_genres_and_history_25733.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yablochko http://worldorch.pbworks.com/w/page/15428653/Russian%20Sailor's%20Dance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chastushka https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Lenin http://www.barynya.com/sailors.stm |
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The score for Yabloshko can be found here: bayanac.narod.ru : the simplier version, the more complex version
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Russian lyrics
Эх, яблочко, Куда ты котишься? Ко мне в рот попадешь - Не воротишься. "Эх, яблочко, На тарелочке. Надоела мне жена, Пойду к девочке. Эх, яблочко, Ананасное. Не ходи за мной, буржуй, Я вся красная. Пароход плывет - Вода кольцами. Будем рыбу кормить Добровольцами! Эх, яблочко, С боку зелено, Надоел мне Колчак - Хочу Ленина. Эх, яблочко, Покатилося. Колчаковская власть Обвалилась. Эх, яблочко, Оловянное. Комиссарская власть - Окаянная. Коммунист молодой Зачем женишься? Придет Нестор Махно - Куда денешься? |
Transliteration
Jeh, jablochko, Kuda ty kotish'sja? Ko mne v rot popadesh' Ne vorotish'sja. Jeh, jablochko, Na tarelochke. Nadoela mne zhena, Pojdu k devochke. Jeh, jablochko, Ananasnoe. Ne hodi za mnoj, burzhuj, Ja vsja krasnaja. Parohod plyvet - Voda kol'cami. Budem rybu kormit' Dobrovol'cami! Jeh, jablochko, S boku zeleno, Nadoel mne Kolchak - Hochu Lenina. Jeh, jablochko, Pokatilosja. Kolchakovskaja vlast' Obvalilas'. Jeh, jablochko, Olovjannoe. Komissarskaja vlast' Okajannaja Kommunist molodoj Zachem zhenish'sja? Pridet Nestor Mahno - Kuda denesh'sja? |
English
Little Apple, Where are you going to? You'll get into my mouth and never come back Little Apple Is on the plate. I am tired of my wife I will go to young girl Oh, Little apple, Pineapple kind. Do not follow me, bourgeois, I am with Bolsheviks The steamboat is going, The water makes rings We will feed the fish With Volunteers Oh, little apple, Green on the side. I am tired of Kolchak, I want Lenin instead Oh, little apple is rolling. The Kolchak's regime Has fallen apart. Oh, little apple, Made of Tin The comissar's regime is damned. Young communist, Why do you get married? Nestor Makhno will get back You are in big trouble! |
