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History of the Accordion

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

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.

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.

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.

The accordion developed at a rapidly accelerating pace after 1830. Several variations of the initial instrument were developed, such as the bandoneon, a chromatic accordion and even the harmonica, all of which still exist today. The introduction of the Schrammel was one of the most interesting developments from this period. This complicated instrument made its onstage debut with a Viennese quartet alongside a bass guitar and two violins. The Schrammel became a popular fixture at Viennese gatherings and can still be heard today.

In 1863, when the first piano accordion was introduced to the public, many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from being confined to their massive and immobile walls of pipes. One of the artists of the time named Pietro Diero brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States and earned recognition as 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.

The accordion remains an international phenomenon, even hundreds of years since its ancestors were first introduced. There are some accordion manufacturers in the United States, but far more can be found in Europe. Russia, France, Germany and Italy are all important players in manufacturing and exporting modern 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.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Author Flora Murkett writes for a variety of interesting Internet sites, on music and hobbies and family life issues.
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