The Accordion Through Time

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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Flora Murkett is a frequent contributor to several interesting web sites, on family fun and hobbies and crafts themes.
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