The Terem Quartet

Real World Records

The Terem Quartet is unique. As classically trained musicians, their technique and expertise are astonishing. As players of traditional folk instruments, their music is startlingly original.

The group came together at the Leningrad Conservatoire in 1986 and are still very rooted in the city of Leningrad (now St Petersburg). With just one accordion, two domras (lutes) and one huge bass balalaika, the Quartet create a swelling and retreating orchestra of sound.

Full of subtleties and contradictions, their repertoire moves seamlessly from gypsy melodies to popular theme tunes to Tchaikovsky. Such an eccentric range of material is completely in tune with the humour of their live performance. 

Watch and listen The Terem Quartet videos: 

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain, Ave Maria, Gipsy Dance, Mission Impossible, Russian Traditional Song, In Toronto, Marche Militaire Op. 51, Libertango,Tocata e Fuga-Bach, Overture Eurovision, Svetin mille sanda, A stroll with Fellinni, Promo film, at Womad and Top Tracks (8 videos)