The song that I chose is ‘The Linden Tree’ by the Osipov State Orchestra. This song was composed by Pavel Kulikov, a Russian classical composer. Though originally a classical song, it has a long history tied with popular folk music. ‘The Linden Tree’ was featured on the album Balalaika Favorites: Works by Budashkin, Kulikov, Osipov, etc., which was released in 1963. This album was very popular because it was the first ever musical recordings done by Americans in the Soviet Union. This process began in 1958 and was closely overseen by American and Russian government officials. The project truly began in the spring of 1962, when 4 tons of recording equipment were shipped from New York to Moscow. ‘The Linden Tree’ was performed in the Great Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory by the Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra. 

I picked this song for my song share assignment because of the usage of the balalaika in the song. Originally, the balalaika was regarded as a folk instrument, but it is often played in classical ensembles. The Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra was even founded by a balalaika player. I found this song in the soundtrack of The Grand Budapest Hotel. I really enjoyed this song because it has a mystical quality and seems to transport the listener to a different period of time.