Author : Jennifer Stone
Source: Classic FM
The accordion is a wind musical instrument that was invented in Germany by Friedrich Buschmann. This instrument has been made in the year 1822. After that, the instrument has been largely used and made an impact in the music industry. In the history of music, it can be seen that the instrument is a major part of modern and classical music.
- History of Accordion:
An accordion was first created in the 19th century in Berlin and was named ‘Handäoline’. It has been improved over time and changed according to the need. After the invention, this instrument has been introduced with the new variation created by the Armenian organ and piano maker Cyrill Demian in 1829 in Vienna. And after that, it has been named an accordion. This instrument became more popular during the time of the mass migration from Europe to other continents. And that is how; the instrument has been globally introduced. It is known differently in various parts of the world. For example, it is famous as ‘Fiarmonica’ in Italy, ‘Bayan’ in Russia, ‘Harmonium’ in Pakistan, and ‘Trekspill’ in Norway. But over time, the instrument started using globally and is now being used with the common name ‘Accordion’. Many renowned artists have used this instrument to make variant kinds of music and that’s how it became so popular among everyone. Another very interesting thing about this instrument is that it is completely handmade. Now a few parts are being made in machines for adding different designs. This is being used to make the instrument even more eye-catchy.
There are a lot of similarities between the accordions with the piano, but both things are not completely the same. It also has a bunch of keyboards to make variant kinds of tunes. Along with that, there are a lot of reeds that help to make the tunes. Originally, the concept of the instrument was taken from a Chinese instrument but the shape and techniques are much more compact. That is why it gives a modern touch to it. This is a very popular instrument among all the other musical instruments.
An accordion has the potential to make a loud sound without any amplifier, and that is why it uses most in dance music. It is not only used in Europe but after a few times, and this instrument is also included in the American music industry. It has gained popularity in various communities. Now, it has become an integral part of folk music. It is not only used in a specific genre of music but some significant genres are Cajun Music, Zydeco, Tango, Conjunto, and many more.
This instrument is quite different than the other musical tools in the aspect of music and the look. It has a few similarities with piano but it has many dissimilarities too. While playing the instrument, one has to hold it and use the keyboard. The sound is made by compressing and expanding the bellows that pump air to the reeds. On the other hand, the keyboard is on the right side and the bass tuning buttons are on the left. A player has to use both sides to make a pleasing sound.
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- Types of Accordion:
There are three types of accordion available currently. Those are diatonic, chromatic, and keyboard. The diatonic and chromatic accordions have buttons instead of keys, and the keyboard accordion has a keyboard. Any keyboard accordions have keys on the right-hand side of the player. The left-hand side has chords or bass notes that are used to make rhythms.
1. Diatonic Accordion:
This kind of accordion has a maximum of three rows of buttons. Every row in the instrument has a specific tune key. Each button has various notes whether the bellows are being pushed or pulled. The different bass notes and chord tunes make the instruments even more beautiful.
2. Chromatic Accordion:
Chromatic accordions have three to five rows of buttons. This instrument is much more melodic compared to the Diatonic. With this instrument, one can use any key to play a standard sound. On the left side of the instrument, there are various chords that are used for making different kinds of music.
3. Keyboard Accordion:
This type of accordion is very much similar to a piano. Currently, this is the most popular among the three. There are no buttons in this accordion. There are a lot of keys that are used for making music or creating any tune. But on the left side of the instruments, there are eight to 120 chord buttons. It is slightly different than the other accordions.
Accordions play a very important part in the music industry. This instrument is majorly used in a lot of countries and regional music. It can be said that it is a proficient musical instrument.
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