Read the text and say if the statements below are true, false or not stated.
In the old times instrumental music was less important than vocal music. Musical instruments were mainly used by shepherds or as accompaniment for some dances and songs.
The most widely spread string instrument such as the gusli \(a wing\-shaped or a helm\-shaped harp\) dates back to the 10th century. The Russians know the gusli from an early age, from fairy tales and bylinas. According to one legend, the first gusli was made by the bogatyrs to make them fun. An old gusli could have only a few strings, while nowadays musicians can even have 48 strings on their gusli.
The most famous old wind instruments are the doudka \(an end\-blown flute\) and the zhaleika \(an instrument with one or two wooden pipes\). According to some archaeological excavations in Novgorod, they have been known from the late 11th century.
As for the balalaika \(an instrument with a triangular body and three strings\) and the garmoshka \(accordion\), they have symbolized Russian folk music, although they originated in Western Europe and were spread in Russia only in the 19th century.

• Группы
  • True
  • False
  • Not stated
• Варианты
  • One can read about the gusli in Russian fairy tales and bylinas.
  • Shepherds mostly played the zhaleika in the past.
  • The modern gusli can have more than 40 strings.
  • The balalaika is the oldest Russian folk musical instrument.
  • The garmoshka is an original Russian folk musical instrument.
  • The guitar was widely spread in Russia in the 19th century.