The Accordion : A Short History

The great thing about music is the variety of instruments and types of music that each culture enjoys. The accordion was developed in Europe in the 19th century and is still played today. The instrument uses bellows and carries the nickname of squeezebox. The first one, used by musicians in Vienna looked quite different from the modern instruments that are played today. There are three main versions; the piano accordion with keyboard, the button and the concertina.

Vaudeville performers in America and Britain made the accordion a familiar sound. French society has a long association with the instrument, often heard at formal balls. It also became popular in French songs of the 1950s and street players are feted by tourists. Holidaymakers will also be familiar with buskers and waiters playing accordion music in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Cajun music also uses the instrument, as does the bands playing polka dance music in various European countries. Brazilian musicians play their dance music with it and a lot of Celtic music is written for it.  The Button version has been adapted in different countries around the world and is especially favored in Russia.

Today, rock bands looking for a distinctive sound or who have some ethnic connection, use the accordion on their records. Celebrated grunge band, Nirvana took advantage of the instrument in their famous unplugged session. Bass player Krist Novoselic, who has Croatian roots, is an accomplished player. Garth Hudson, Canadian session musician and member of The Band, is a classically trained musician who studied musical composition and also likes to play the accordion. Folk rock fusion band, The Pogues blend the instrument with rock arrangements, in the hands of James Fearnley.

Another band to feature the instrument is They Might Be Giants, famous for the theme song of comedy show, Malcolm in the Middle, called Boss of Me. John Linnell is one half of the duo and he plays accordion on occasion.  The E Street Band is famous for backing Bruce Springsteen. Their keyboard player Danny Federici, also plays the instrument. The instrument is so versatile that it can be incorporated into most genres including jazz and new age music. There is a digital version of the instrument, which makes it an appealing prospect to modern performers. As long as today's performers take an interest in the instrument, its unique sound will never die. When cool rock stars play, the instrument becomes cool as well.