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The Accordion Through Time

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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 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 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.

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.

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.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Flora Murkett is a regular columnist for a variety of popular web sites, on family fun and hobbies and crafts issues.

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