Violin Whisperer
Short Stuff • 8m 54s
David Ludwik Rapkievian is a master instrument maker, musician, and folk dancer, who works in the Russian, Polish and Armenian traditions. As an instrument maker, David crafts violins in his Washington Grove, MD workshop. While growing up in Detroit, David discovered a love of music through his Polish grandfather who repaired musical instruments. Through Detroit’s immigrant community he became exposed to Russian folk music and built his first balalaika based on photos. Over time he perfected his technique as a builder and a musician, eventually becoming on of the most accomplished balalaika players in the United States. Eventually, David led his own ensemble at the famous Russian Tea Room in New York. He played with Russian Carnival at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He also had a brief career as a dancer with the New York City Ballet.
Up Next in Short Stuff
-
No Page for Dalits
This short film emphasizes the religious or sacred basis of discrimination and one modern instance thereof, where caste members literally have no way to participate in the traditional Indian search for marital partners.
Wesley Shrum is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Video Ethnography...
-
Four Keeps Dakáake
This short essay film is based on Crow/Apsaalooke tribal cosmology in which wind characterizes one of the four cardinal points and when called upon represents for the tribe a powerful blessing in endurance and return. In this film dakaake (Apsaalooke for bird) signifies both wind and child. A non...
-
Ep. 1 - The War to End All Wars - The...
Episode One - The World at War
In this documentary series commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War, award-winning documentary filmmaker Mark Terry interviews professors in York University's Department of History examine various aspects of the war and the role Canada played in it.
