Centenary Of The Accordion

Northland Age, Volume 27, Issue 41, 26 October 1927, Page 7

Centenary Of The Accordion

The average person, it may be safe to say, gives little thought to the origin of musical instrum- *\ ents. He or she might look puzzled if asked when the first violin was made, or the first flute. The saxophone would probably prove more fruitful because of its association with the name of its inventor, the German Sax. How many would hazard a quess about the ac< ordion ? By the celebration of its centenary, Belgium indicates tnai ioo years have elapsed since it was invented. Other authorities asset t that the accordion was invented in 1d29 ]»y a Viennese, Damian. Differ as they may, tb } are uvited to take cognizance of the met that 15,000 persons in Belgium have just celc-brat>-d i.. Hundredth anniversary. < the a coidion was looked upon c the “pom ,n*a’‘ organ.” >lt was ‘i.. r of modest dimensions and range. .00 uy folk ot Sweden enjoyed it on Midoummer’s Eve; woodsmen of Europe and America brightened drab winter * nights with its notes. Its strains could be hoard on the side-walks of France. In the market place and in tne home it nad us champions. Its limits forbade it from venturing into the realm of the classic, but it herd high rank as ! an exponent of popular airs. In many respects this has been changed i'he accordion to-day, in its more elaborate form, is an instrument with a keyboard resembling that of a miniature organ. It is showily dressed, has ivory and ebony keys, is studded with pearl, and, with its silver | ornaments, produces a oazzlmg effect as it sways across the chest of the plaver. In the hands of an Italian expert it will give surprising result, drawing upon Verdi and Strauss with equal facility. Hear it in “Poet and Peasant,” and you will surrender any opposition you may have hitherto harbored. As played by an artist, it is at home in the company of brass or strings and its appearance in * duets or trios with cornet and violin serve to indicate the heights it has attained. People with tastes for the classic in music sometimes see little in the accordion to exult over, vet there are Is>ooo enthusiasts in Belgium alone who will point with pride to the advance it has made in the past century, and who will hold it forth as an instrument that is deserving of more than passing notice,