How did the Soviet Union institutionalize the folk music of ethnic groups after 1945?

After 1945, the Soviet Union institutionalized the folk music of its various ethnic groups as a means of symbolizing the equality between folk and classical traditions. This process involved several key strategies:1

• Formal Education: Folk music was integrated into the curricula of special conservatories and music schools, where it was taught alongside classical techniques.12
• Professionalization: Traditional music was performed by professional ensembles and large orchestras of folk instruments, such as the Russian balalaika-and-domra orchestras.12
• Structural Modification: To align with Western musical standards, traditional instruments were often reconstructed to fit the 12-tone equal temperament scale. Furthermore, native and European Soviet composers introduced Western musical forms—such as symphonies, operas, and chamber music—and incorporated vocal polyphony into traditional repertoires.2
• Theatrical Presentation: Choreographers like Igor Moiseyev re-created national dances for the stage, balancing authentic "root movements" with theatrical effectiveness to create spectacular performances that toured internationally.3

These efforts transformed folk music from a localized oral tradition into a standardized, state-supported art form.412