Kalinka (Snowberry) by Ivan Petrovich Larionov (arranged by Jim Paterson)

"Kalinka" is a traditional Russian Folk Song, composed by Ivan Petrovich Larionov in 1860. The song became popular in Russia and throughout the world when it was performed by many Russian Choirs and used as an instrumental by Russian Dance Troups. Kalinka is the name of a tree, usually called the Snowball Tree of Snowberry Tree, which displays clumps of small white flowers in the Spring which turn to bunches of red berries later in the year. The tree features in the Folklore of Ukrania, and the words of the song talk about the shrub in a light-hearted way with the chorus beginning with the words "Kalinka, kalinka, kalinka moya" (Snowberry, snowberry, my little snowberry). The song is sometimes called "Kalinka Malinka" meaning "Snowberry Raspberry", and consists of a slow verse section (often with 3 verses) which comes between renditions of the chorus. The chorus is undoubtedly the "hook" of the song with the music getting faster and faster, and perhaps inviting audience participation with singing or hand-clapping.

Our piano arrangement of this folk melody can be downloaded as sheet music in printable PDF format, or to play in MIDI and MP3 formats. We also have an alternative arrangement for Solo instrument and Piano with suitable parts for Bassoon, Clarinet or Violin as the solo instrument. On youtube you will find many versions of the song including these by the Red Russian Army Choir, a Russian Dance Group and a contemporary Violin Trio.