Question about European/Russian etc. music

[4001]

I am married to a girl that is Russian. Born and raised in Lithuania.
She likes traditional Russian and Lithuanian and European music.
I have been with her for over five years and being a bass player, I listen closely to the music she likes to listen to.
My observation and question, and I'm not a music major at all, is this...


It seems that there is a common element to a lot of Russian and European music. Is it that a lot of songs are written in minor keys?

The mood of a lot of the music seems a bit more dramatic and emotional in minor keys and a lot of the music that my wife likes sounds that way.

Does anyone know what I'm saying here? Can anyone explain what I'm trying to say/figure out?

Thanks for reading.

[MIJ-VI]

Balalaika.

[MIJ-VI]

The Art of the Balalaika - The Odessa Balalaikas

[stranded horse]

You're right, minor key is specially typical of Russian music. But not European music in general