The accordion, a versatile and expressive musical instrument, is known for its ability to produce both melody and harmony with the push of a button or pull of a bellows. This unique instrument is a staple in various genres of music, from folk traditions to contemporary sounds. In this column, we will explore the accordion’s history, types, how to play it, its tuning, pricing, famous accordion music, and other interesting facts.
Accordion History
Accordion Types
Accordions come in several distinct types, each designed for specific musical styles and purposes. The most common types are the diatonic, chromatic, and piano accordion, but there are also specialized variants used in certain cultures and musical traditions.
1. Diatonic Accordion
The diatonic accordion is one of the oldest forms of the instrument. It is most often associated with folk and traditional music in Europe, particularly in countries like Ireland, Spain, and Italy. Unlike chromatic accordions, which have all the notes of the chromatic scale, diatonic accordions only play certain notes in specific keys, making them more limited in range. However, they are often praised for their distinctive, warm sound, especially when used in dance music.
2. Chromatic Accordion
The chromatic accordion is more versatile than the diatonic version. It can play all the notes in the chromatic scale, allowing musicians to perform in any key without being limited by the instrument’s layout. This type of accordion is common in classical music, as well as in jazz and contemporary genres. The chromatic accordion typically features a button layout rather than a piano keyboard, with the most popular configurations being the 120-bass and 96-bass models.
3. Piano Accordion
The piano accordion is perhaps the most widely recognized type of accordion. It features a full piano-style keyboard on one side (for the melody) and buttons on the other side (for the bass). The piano accordion is used in a variety of music styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music. It is especially known for its ability to produce rich, complex harmonies and is popular in solo performances and ensembles.
4. Concertina
Though not technically an accordion, the concertina is often included in discussions of bellows-driven instruments. The concertina is a smaller, hexagonal-shaped instrument, with buttons on each side that play both melody and accompaniment. It is especially popular in British and Irish folk music and has a distinct, bright sound. The concertina comes in both Anglo and English system versions, each with its unique playing style.
5. Bandoneón
The bandoneón is a type of accordion used primarily in Argentine tango music. It features a unique button layout and a distinctive, slightly mournful sound that makes it an essential instrument in tango ensembles. Unlike other accordions, the bandoneón does not have a keyboard and is known for its smaller, more compact size. It has a rich history in South American music, particularly in the tango genre.
6. Tremolo Accordion
The tremolo accordion, often used in Italian folk music, is known for its rapid changes in pitch that create a “shimmering” sound effect. This is achieved through the use of two reeds that are tuned slightly differently, producing a natural tremolo effect when played. This type of accordion is highly favored in Mediterranean regions and is frequently seen in street performances and traditional folk music.
How to Play Accordion
Learning to play the accordion requires both physical coordination and musical skill. Here’s a basic guide to get started:
1. Understand the Layout
Accordions typically have two parts: the melody side (right hand) and the bass side (left hand). The right-hand side contains either a piano keyboard or buttons that are used to play the melody. The left-hand side contains buttons for playing bass notes and chords. Some accordions, like the piano accordion, have a keyboard on both sides, while others, such as the button accordion, have buttons on both sides.
2. Practice the Bellows
The bellows are an integral part of the accordion, as they create the airflow necessary to produce sound. To play the accordion, the bellows must be expanded and contracted while pressing the buttons or keys. The key to mastering the instrument is learning to control the bellows in a smooth, steady motion, which helps to create a consistent sound.
3. Learn to Use Your Hands
In addition to the bellows, the accordion requires precise hand movements. The right hand plays the melody by pressing the keys or buttons, while the left hand handles the bass and chord buttons. Beginners should start by learning simple melodies and bass patterns, gradually increasing the complexity as they become more comfortable with the instrument.
4. Master the Coordination
Accordion players need to coordinate both hands and the bellows simultaneously. This requires practice to build muscle memory and develop a sense of rhythm. Many accordion players start by learning basic exercises that focus on hand and bellows coordination.
5. Read Music
Reading music for the accordion is similar to reading music for other keyboard or wind instruments. The right-hand side typically follows standard music notation for the melody, while the left-hand side uses a form of bass clef notation or tablature for the bass and chords.
Accordion Tuning
An accordion’s tuning plays a significant role in its overall sound quality. The instrument relies on reeds to produce sound, and these reeds must be carefully tuned to create the desired pitch and tone. There are several factors to consider when tuning an accordion:
1. The Role of Reeds
Reeds are metal tongues inside the accordion that vibrate when air is passed over them. They are responsible for creating the instrument’s sound. Each reed is tuned to a specific pitch, and the player can control which reed sounds by pressing certain buttons or keys.
2. Tuning the Reeds
Tuning an accordion involves adjusting the reeds to ensure they are in tune with one another. This can be done using specialized tools to slightly alter the pitch of the reeds. Accordion tuners may also adjust the reed’s voicing, which affects how the reed responds to airflow, altering the timbre and volume of the sound.
3. Types of Tuning
There are several types of tuning commonly used in accordions:
Equal Temperament: This is the most common tuning, used for most modern music. It divides the octave into 12 equal parts, ensuring that the instrument is in tune across all keys.
Musette Tuning: This type of tuning creates a slight tremolo effect by slightly detuning the reeds. It is often used in French accordion music for its distinctive “shimmering” sound.
Dry Tuning: In contrast to musette tuning, dry tuning keeps the reeds perfectly in tune with each other, producing a cleaner, more straightforward sound.
Accordion Price
The price of an accordion can vary significantly depending on its type, brand, size, and quality. Here are some general price ranges:
1. Beginner Accordions
For beginners, small diatonic or 48-bass accordion models are typically the most affordable. These accordions can range from $150 to $500, depending on the quality and brand. While they may not offer as many features or versatility as higher-end models, they are perfect for learning the basics of the instrument.
2. Intermediate Accordions
Intermediate-level accordions, often with 72 or 96 bass buttons, are generally priced between $500 and $1,500. These models offer more features, such as additional reeds and better tuning stability, making them ideal for musicians who want to progress to more advanced techniques.
3. Professional Accordions
Professional-grade accordions, which feature 120 bass buttons, multiple reed configurations, and superior craftsmanship, can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $5,000. High-end models made by renowned manufacturers such as Hohner, Bugari, or Roland can even exceed these prices, especially if they include electronic features or custom tunings.
4. Vintage and Collector’s Models
Vintage and collector’s models, particularly those from famous brands or with historical significance, can fetch even higher prices. These accordions may be priced at several thousand dollars, depending on their rarity, condition, and desirability.
Famous Accordion Music
The accordion has played an integral role in a wide variety of musical traditions around the world. Some of the most famous accordion compositions and genres include:
1. “La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez
This famous tango composition from Uruguay is one of the most recognizable pieces associated with the bandoneón, a type of accordion used in tango music. Its melancholic melody has made it a classic in both Argentine and international tango repertoires.
2. “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla
Astor Piazzolla, one of the most famous tango composers of the 20th century, is known for his innovative and dramatic style. His composition “Libertango,” featuring the bandoneón, showcases the accordion’s ability to create both rhythmic and harmonic textures, blending classical and jazz elements.
3. Cajun Music
Cajun music, a genre originating from the French-speaking communities of Louisiana, heavily relies on the accordion. The accordion plays a vital role in creating the distinctive rhythm and melody in Cajun songs, which often reflect themes of love, life, and hardship.
4. French Musette Music
Musette music, popular in France, is characterized by its use of the accordion to create a lilting, almost waltz-like sound. French accordionists such as Édith Piaf and Maurice Larcange helped popularize this genre, which remains a beloved part of France’s musical heritage.
