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History of the Accordion

By: Flora Murkett

Where would modern music be today without the influence of the accordion? This ancient instrument is still very much alive in everything from modern country to progressive punk rock.

There is a colorful and fascinating history to the humble accordion. The instrument's family tree can be traced back centuries to about 500 BC. During the time of Confucius, at about 551-479 BC, the Chinese used an instrument called a Sheng or Cheng, believed to be the first instrument to use a free vibrating reed. This ancient principle still provides the basis of sound production still used in many of today's instruments.

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.

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.

In the early 20th century, several accordion manufacturers began to establish themselves. These companies met the growing needs and pressures of professional accordion players. These changes led to the standard shape and size of the accordion that we know 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.

Listen to traditional musical pieces from virtually any country, and you can pick up the distinctive notes of the accordion. It is an instrument rich in history and long in worldwide appeal.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Contributor Flora Murkett writes for a variety of well-known Internet sites, on entertainment and hobbies and music subjects.
Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content accordian article here.

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