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The Accordion Through Time 

From traditional old-world ballads to modern Acadian and even punk rock, the accordion is a staple in many musical bands.

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.

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.

Regardless of who actually "invented" the modern accordion style, the popularity did certainly take off. Following that era, several varieties of free-vibrating reed instruments were developed. Some of them are still considerably well known today. As the instrument enjoyed growing popularity, the demand for instruction manuals began to increase. According to certain historical resources, the first accordion textbook featured both original music, and arrangements of familiar pieces. The book, written by Adolf Reisner, was published in Paris in 1832. Countless textbooks and manuals have been created and distributed since then.

From 1830 onwards, the development of the accordion continued at a rapidly accelerating pace. Several varieties of instrument were further developed such as the bandoneon, a chromatic model and even the harmonica, all of which still exist today. Perhaps one of the interesting developments from this period was the introduction of the Schrammel, a complicated instrument that made its debut onstage with a Viennese quartet comprised of a bass guitar and two violins. The Schrammel became popular at Viennese gatherings and can still be heard today.

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.

During the early part of the twentieth century, several accordion manufacturers began to establish their companies. These manufacturers met the needs and pressures of professional accordion players, and formed the standard size and shape of the instrument, as we know it today.

The accordion remains an international phenomenon, even hundreds of years since its ancestors were first introduced. There are some accordion manufacturers in the United States, but far more can be found in Europe. Russia, France, Germany and Italy are all important players in manufacturing and exporting 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.

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Flora Murkett writes for several popular web sites, on entertainment and hobbies and music topics. You can get a unique content version of this article.

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