History of the Accordion

From traditional old-world ballads to modern Acadian and even punk rock, the accordion is a staple in many musical bands.

The accordion family tree has roots that reach back hundreds of years. This fascinating history can be traced to an ancient Chinese instrument known as a Sheng or Cheng. Played during the era of Confucius, from about 551 BC to 479 BC, this musical instrument is believed to be the first one to have used a free vibrating reed principal. This sound production provided by this principal is still the foundation of many of today's modern accordions.

More recently, a Viennese instrument maker by the name of Cyrillus Damian was credited with creating the first "true" accordion in 1829. Mr. Damian is believed by many historians to have held the first patent on the instrument, and he received royal patronage for his invention. Other reports suggest that the first true accordion was presented by Christian Friedrich Buschmann in 1822. Buschmann put expanding bellows onto a small portable keyboard, and placed a vibrating reed within the instrument. This new musical invention was called a "hand-aeoline", and Buschmann toured in 1828 to raise public interest in the instrument.

We may never know who truly invented to accordion, but no one can deny the instrument's lasting popularity. In the years to follow, many different varieties of free-vibrating reed instrument were developed. Some of them went by the wayside, while others continue to be used and appreciated. As public interest in the accordion grew, many people began to demand books and manuals to learn to play and master the instrument. Research suggests that the first accordion textbook was written by Adolf Reisner and published in Paris in 1832. This book featured both original music, and new arrangements of familiar pieces. A countless number of manuals and accordion textbooks have since been released.

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 introduction of the first piano accordion came about in 1863. Many performers loved this instrument as it liberated them from the massive and immobile walls of pipes to which they were once confined. Musician Pietro Diero brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States, earning recognition as the "father" of playing the American accordion.

During the early part of the twentieth century, several accordion manufacturers began to establish their companies. These manufacturers met the needs and pressures of professional accordion players, and formed the standard size and shape of the instrument, as we know it today.

Centuries have passed since the accordion's humble beginnings, but the instrument is still a worldwide phenomenon. There are still a few accordion manufacturers in the United States, but Europe has many more. Although there are still accordion manufacturers in the United States, their numbers are quite small compared to those in Europe. Countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Russia are important to the manufacturing and export of modern accordions.

The accordion is an ancient instrument, but remains an important element of today's music. From traditional pieces to modern melodies, the accordion enjoys lasting appeal.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Flora Murkett is a regular columnist for a variety of popular web sites, on entertainment and hobbies and music topics.
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