The accordion is an age-old instrument, but its music can still be heard today in everything from contemporary country to traditional ballads to alternative rock.
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.
The first piano accordion was introduced to the public in 1863. Many performers regarded it as a means of liberating themselves from the confines of their massive, immobile walls of pipes. Pietro Diero, a musician of the time, brought his custom built piano accordion to the United States, and would gain the title of "the Father of American accordion playing".
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.orbitaloc.com/
Author Flora Murkett is a regular columnist for a variety of popular web sites, on music and hobbies and family life issues.
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