This Radio Moscow production focuses on the Russian Balalaika, a triangular musical instrument with three strings. In between music segments, the host describes how to play the instrument and the history of its development starting in 17th-century Tsarist courts by "merry buffoons."

"These were talented musicians from among the people...their songs frequently contained pointed satire and adorned ridicule and sharp words that hit their mark."

The buffoons were eventually exiled after their criticism offended courtiers and "certain greedy personages of the church."

In the 1880s, Vasily Andreyev, "a musician and advocate of Russian Folk music," is credited with resurrecting the Balalaika from an obscure peasant instrument to a popular concert instrument.

Joe takes questions from western listeners on various aspects of life in the Soviet Union.

A mysterious parcel arrives at the chemical research plant in Kharkov, Ukraine...

The October revolution and the development of a socialist society.

The drive for literacy in the USSR.