The Accordion Through Time by Flora Murkett

The Accordion Through Time by Flora Murkett

The accordion is an age-old instrument, but its music can still be heard today in everything from contemporary country to traditional ballads to alternative rock.

This humble instrument actually boasts a fascinating history. The accordion family tree stretches back centuries, to an ancient Chinese instrument called a Cheng or Sheng. This instrument, used during the time of Confucius (551-479 BC), is believed to be first to use the free vibrating reed principal. This principal provided the basis of sound production for today's modern accordions.

Fast forward to 1829. A Viennese instrument maker by the name of Cyrillus Damian was credited with creating the first "true" accordion. Numerous historical resources show that Mr. Damian was first to patent an instrument of that name, and received royal patronage for his invention. There are conflicting reports, however, holding that the first true accordion actually appeared in 1822 when a fellow named Christian Friedrich Buschmann put some expanding bellows onto a small portable keyboard, with reed vibrating freely inside the instrument itself. Buschmann dubbed his new instrument the "hand-aeoline" and toured in the year 1828 to help propel its popularity.

While the accordion's inventor may be up for debate, no one can argue the instrument's popularity. Several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed in the following years, some of which are still considerably known and appreciated today. Of course, as popularity grew, more people wanted to play the accordion, and the demand for accordion manuals began to rise. Certain historical resources suggest that the first accordion textbook featured original music and arrangements of familiar pieces. This book was written by Adolf Reisner and published in Paris in 1832. Since then, countless manuals, songbooks and textbooks have been written and distributed.

After 1830, the popularity and development of the accordion increased rapidly. The bandoneon, harmonica and chromatic accordion are all enhancements of the original instrument that are still widely used today. The Schrammel is perhaps the most interesting development from this period. This complicated instrument was first played in a Viennese quartet, sharing the stage with two violins and a bass guitar. The Schrammel was popular at Viennese parties during this era, and is occasionally played even now.

The first piano accordion was introduced to the public in 1863. Many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from the confines of their massive, immobile walls of pipes. Pietro Diero, a musician of the time, brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States, and would gain the title of "the Father of American accordion playing".

In the early part of the twentieth century, enterprising individuals began opening accordion manufacturing companies. These manufacturers made further enhancements to meet the needs and demands of professional accordion players. From these changes grew the modern size and shape of the accordion that we know today.

Hundreds of years have passed in the timeline of the accordion, but it remains an international phenomenon. Although there are still accordion manufacturers in the United States, their numbers are quite small compared to those in Europe. Germany, France, Italy and Russia are still important players in the making and export of today's accordions.

As you listen to traditional musical pieces from all around the world, you will often hear the distinctive notes of the accordion. It is an instrument that boasts a rich history and lasting universal appeal.



Writer Flora Murkett writes for numerous interesting web sites, on activity family and hobbies and activities topics.
This and other unique content accordian articles are available with free reprint rights.


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