You may have heard of the instrument accordion, but you may not know much about what kind of music are usually played on it. If you are British or Irish, you probably know accordions are commonly showed in Ceilidh band; if you are Chinese, you might have the impression that it is related to some Chinese folk music or Soviet / Chinese communist songs.
But in fact, accordion music is much more diverse than you think. This post will guide you through the different styles of accordion music internationally in a comprehensive overview. For each style I will attach a few links to the classics so that you can listen along and get a taste. Hope this post can get your interest in this instrument and its music.
1 Classical Music
Accordion was invented in the 19th century, and it was used in classical music as well. However, it is not as popular as piano or violin in classical music for many reasons. It was invented very late (roughly the late romantic period of classical music), and it was naturally more suitable for folk music, partly because of its harsh sound. We hardly see any accordion in orchestras, but there are some.
Very few classical pieces were written for accordion. You can found many classical music played on accordion on YouTube, but most of them are transcriptions from piano or violin. However, many of these accordion transcriptions are very successful and become classics in accordion music.
There are many accordion competitions that are mostly based on classical music. Practicing classical music is the inevitable way to become those virtuosos :) orz
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vivaldi: The Four Seasons | No. 2 “Summer”, accordion solo by Alexandr Hrustevich No. 2 “Summer”, III. Presto “Storm”, accordion duet by FACE2FACE No. 4 “Winter”, I. Allegro non molto, accordion solo by Milan Řehák |
An early classic in classical music, also an iconic piece of accordion classical music. |
| Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 | Accordion solo by Sergei Teleshev Accordion ensemble by my uni’s accordion society |
Bach’s classic on organ. In fact, organ is the ancestor of accordion, so organ music sounds pretty correct on accordion. |
| Brahms: Hungarian Dance No.5 | Studio recording by Martynas | - |
| Dmitri Shostakovich: Waltz No. 2 | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong | - |
| Isaac Albéniz: Asturias (Leyenda) | Accordion solo by Gevorg Gasparyan Accordion solo by my uni’s accordion society |
A famous Spanish piece, originally for piano. |
2 French Musette
French stereotypical music often leaves a impression of French-style romantic and nostalgic. In fact, this all belongs to a genre of French music called musette. It is designed for dances, often features a waltz or other dance rhythms. The accordion is the main instrument in musette music, and it is often accompanied by other instruments like violin, guitar, and double bass. Musette was popular in Paris from the 1880s through the 1940s, and still lasts its influence on French songs today, and of course, accordion music.
The legendary French singer Édith Piaf is closely related to musette music. She often sang musette songs, and many of her songs are accompanied by accordion.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| La Foule | Original recording (accordion accompaniment) Accordion solo by Cassandra Boisserie |
Édith Piaf’s iconic musette song, featuring a passionate accordion melody. |
| La Valse d’Amélie | Original recording in the film (accordion solo) | Yann Tiersen’s iconic waltz from the film Amélie. |
| La Vie en Rose | Accordion solo by Albert Armen Vocal by Jolie Môme (accordion accompaniment) |
Probably Édith Piaf’s most famous songs. |
| Reine de Musette | Original recording | A classic musette piece by the French accordionist Yvette Horner. |
| Happy Days in Paris | Original recording | - |
| Bourrasque | Accordion solo by Amarcordeon | - |
3 Tango Music in Latin America
Tango is the most popular dance in Latin America countries like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Tango music is characterized by its passionate and melancholic melodies, and the accordion is a key instrument in tango bands.
Please note that the accordion used in tango music is different from the piano accordion that is commonly seen in Europe. The tango accordion is called bandoneón, which is a type of concertina, very popular in Argentina and Uruguay. The bandoneón has a different sound and playing style from the piano accordion, and it is more suitable for tango music.
Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla is a prominent figure in Latin America tango and was also a bandoneón player. His significant contribution was elevating tango music from a pop dance genre to a form of classical music with artistic depth, thus bringing tango into prestigious concert halls. (I personally think Piazzolla is the only significant person who made the accordion to have a place in classical music, therefore should be the most important figure in accordion music history. )
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Libertango | Bandoneón in a band by Astor Piazzolla himself Accordion in a orchestra by Russian Philharmonic Orchestra |
Piazzolla’s most famous work. |
| La Cumparsita | Bandoneón in a band. Accordion solo |
One of the most iconic tango pieces, known as Uruguay’s cultural symbol and “second national anthem.” |
| Por una Cabeza | In the film Accordion solo by Kai Zhong |
Famous tango piece featured in film Scent of a Woman. |
| A Media Luz | Accordion solo by Jo Brunenberg | - |
| El Choclo | Accordion solo by Amarcordeon Accordion concerto |
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4 Folk Music in British Isles
The accordion has a role in the folk music of the British Isles, encompassing England, Ireland, and Scotland. This instrument often shows up in folk bands, especially in ceilidh bands. The tunes are dance music from these places such as jig, reel, polka, etc.
Please find my introduction to ceilidh and how accordion works in the band in my post.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| The Irish Washerwoman | Demonstration by Brendan Kavanagh | One of the most iconic Irish jigs. |
| Cooley’s Reel | Accordion solo by Paul Young | A well-known Irish reel frequently played in folk sessions. |
| Kesh Jig | Accordion in a folk band | A well-known Irish jig frequently played in folk sessions. |
5 Slavic Folk Music
Slavic counrties and their neighbours have a rich tradition of folk dance and music. These countries include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Finland, etc. Their folk music is often characterized by its lively and energetic melodies, and typically in harmonic minor, which creates a unique feeling. The accordion is prominent in Slavic folk music in very early times of this instrument’s history.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kalinka (Калинка) | Accordion in a large orchestra by Alexandrov Ensemble | A famous Russian folk song from 1860, known for its increasing tempo. |
| Korobeiniki (Коробейники) | Accordion solo by Olavsky | A Russian folk song from 1861, widely recognized as the theme of Tetris. |
| Yablochko (Яблочко) | Dance performance (accordion accompaniment) In a Russian home party (accordion accompaniment) |
A sailor’s dance song from the 1910s, often associated with Russian folk dancing. |
| Barynya (Барыня) | Accordion solo by Виктор Ракшевский | A fast-tempo Russian folk dance piece. |
| Cossack Rode Beyond the Danube (Їхав козак за Дунай) | Accordion solo by Sergio Gladkyy | A traditional Ukrainian folk song. |
| Mother Wants Me to Marry (Как хотела меня мать) | Vocal by Паша & Маша (accordion accompaniment) | A Belarusian folk song about arranged marriage. |
| You Tricked Me (Ти ж мене підманула) | Vocal by Игорь Смирнов (accordion accompaniment) | A humorous Ukrainian folk song about deception in love. |
| Säkkijärven Polkka | Accordion solo by Jari Nykänen | A famous Finnish polka. |
6 Chinese Folk Music
Chinese folk music features a variety of regional styles, including Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur, and Han music.
The accordion is not a traditional Chinese instrument, but it has been incorporated into Chinese folk music since the 20th century, especially during communist China. As you can imagine, many new folk songs are created mixing the traditional culture and communist propaganda.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland Pastoral Song (草原牧歌) | Accordion solo by Yang Yi | Level 3 accordion exam piece, a melody rich in Mongolian folk style. |
| Song of the Herdsmen (牧民之歌) | Accordion solo by Weiliang Chen | Level 5 accordion exam piece, depicting the lively life of herdsmen. |
| Flowers and Youth (花儿与少年) | Accordion solo by Weiliang Chen | Level 3 accordion exam piece. Folk song in Qinghai region of China. |
7 Communist Music
In communist countries, particularly in the Soviet Union, the government actively promoted the use of the accordion in propaganda music, like revolutionary songs, military marches, and patriotic anthems. The accordion was already a prominent instrument in the folk music of many Eastern European and Asian countries before these regions adopted communism. Therefore, it often symbolized the working class and rural populations, somehow aligning well with communist ideologies.
The use of the accordion began from the early 20th century in Soviet Union, and soon spread to other communist countries like China, North Korea. Different countries have their own styles of communist music influenced by their own traditional music.
7.1 Soviet Union
Soviet accordion music is a unique genre that combines traditional Russian folk music with the revolutionary spirit of the Soviet era. I recommend Alexandrov Ensemble, a former Soviet now Russian military choir, for a taste of this genre. Accordion is a very noticeable instrument in their band.
Due to the influence of Soviet Union, Chinese people are very familiar with these soviet communist songs. They are generally considered nostalgic. Even in recent years, there is a subculture called “精苏” in Chinese social media that a group of young people are obsessed with Soviet Union culture, including music. In many’s impression, accordion is the symbol of Soviet Union. Therefore many videos playing Soviet songs on accordion are popular, especially on Bilibili. You can find a lot of resources there.
| Work | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Katyusha (Катюша) | Accordion solo by Amarcordeon Accordion solo by 胡逗洲民吴行健 Accordion solo by 小王的手风琴 Accordion solo by me |
A famous Soviet patriotic song, often performed on the accordion. |
| Farewell of Slavianka (Прощание Славянки) | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong | One of the most famous Russian military marches. Featured in Russian military parade. |
| Moscow Nights (Подмосковные Вечера) | Accordion solo by Mr. Accordion Vocal by Vyacheslav Abrosimov (accordion accompaniment) |
A classic Russian song with a peaceful and nostalgic melody. One of the most iconic Russian songs known by Chinese people. |
| The Rowan Tree of the Urals (Уральская рябинушка) | Vocal by a Historical Soviet Choir (accordion accompaniment) | A Soviet-era song with folk motifs. |
| Smuglyanka (Смуглянка) | Vocal from the movie (accordion accompaniment) | A song from the Soviet film Only Old Men Are Going to Battle, with accordion accompaniment. |
| The Hills of Manchuria (На Сопках Маньчжурии) | Accordion solo by Sergus | A melancholic Russian waltz depicting the Russo-Japanese War. It became popular in Soviet era. |
| The Red Army Is the Strongest (Красная Армия Всех Сильней) | Accordion solo by 毛茸茸的热水袋 | A famous Soviet military song. |
| For You, Motherland (За тебя, Родита-мать) | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong | A new Russian song by the group Lyube, in Soviet style. |
7.2 China
In Mao era of China, accordion is an extreme popular instrument. There were military cultural troupes in every army, which all have an accordion band. The old generation of Chinese people all have a deep impression of the accordion because of the troupes. That stereotype still exists in China today.
After Mao’s death and the reform and opening-up in the 1980s, this instrument declined in popularity in China. Nowadays the young generation knows little about this instrument.
The official accordion level exams in China still take a lot of these communist songs as exam pieces. I have included many of them in the following links.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Play My Beloved Pipa (弹起我心爱的土琵琶) | Accordion solo by Kuan Liu Zhongkai Laoshi duet version |
A famous song depicting guerrilla soilders with a strong storytelling element. |
| Defend the Yellow River (保卫黄河) | Accordion solo by Yang Yi | Level 9 accordion exam piece, part of The Yellow River Cantata, known for its powerful and dramatic melody. |
| I Guard the Bridge for My Motherland (我为祖国守大桥) | Accordion solo by Yang Yi | Level 5 accordion exam piece, depicting dedication and patriotism. |
| Beating the Tiger (打虎上山) | Accordion solo by Phil Young | Level 6 accordion exam piece, an excerpt from the Yangbanxi (Model Opera during the Cultural Revolution) Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy. |
7.3 North Korea
North Korea is one of the very few countries in the world that still adheres to a communist ideology. Accordion is still the main instrument in their society. An interesting fact is that North Korea is a large producer of accordions despite its poor industrial capacity. Many accordions in China are actually made in North Korea. Accordions are popular in schools, military, and often shown in public performances. The communist system has fostered a large number of accordionists in North Korea, who are very skilled in playing the instrument. I’ve included some links to their performances below.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Attack War (공격전) | Accordion solo by a North Korean accordionist | A North Korean military song with a strong rhythm and melody. |
| The Sound of Horse’s Hooves on Mt. Baekdu (백두산의 말발굽소리) | Accordion solo by a North Korean accordionist | A North Korean revolutionary song with a heroic and patriotic theme. |
8 Music in United States
As a new world for Europe, the accordion was introduced to America with immigrants soon after its invention. The instrument played a significant role in the development of various popular music genres in the United States.
Polka is a dance music genre characterized by a lively 2/4 rhythm, originally from Europe, particularly Poland and Czechia. However, it also has a wide influence in America. Sometimes, the upbeat party music we hear in the US, such as the famous “Beer Barrel Polka”, features an American polka style. These tunes are typically performed by polka bands with the accordion as a primary instrument.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clarinet Polka | Accordion in a band by Walter Ostanek | A lively and fast-paced polka tune, popular in polka and folk music. |
| Beer Barrel Polka | Accordion in a band by Frank Yankovic Accordion in a band by Jason Fabus |
One of the most famous American polka songs, widely recognized worldwide. |
Blues is often associated with guitars, electric guitars, and harmonicas, but accordions can also play blues and have historically been one of the primary instruments for this genre (see this article). Playing blues on the accordion is akin to playing Boogie-Woogie on the piano.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Accordion Boogie | Accordion in a band by Clifton Chenier | Played by the legendary blues and zydeco accordionist Clifton Chenier, known for his energetic and rhythmic playing. |
Country music sometimes also features the accordion, though it’s more commonly associated with guitars and violins. During the 1950s and 60s, American TV shows often featured country music accompanied by an accordion.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| You Are My Sunshine | Accordion duet by Frank Yankovic | A very popular country song. |
| This Land Is Your Land | Accordion duet by bertosvids | One of the most famous American folk and patriotic songs, originally written by Woody Guthrie. |
9 Popular Music
In recent years, a large amount of popular music are adapted for accordion. They includes, but is not limited to, pop songs, movie themes, and themes from games or anime. The accordion’s unique sound adds a distinctive touch to these songs, some of which suit incredibly well and soon gets popular.
There are a large number of vloggers making accordion performance videos on YouTube and Bilibili, who have gained a large number of followers because of the accordion.
| Piece | Links | Note |
|---|---|---|
| We Are Young | Accordion trio by CrazyAccordion Trio | Used to be a very viral song. |
| Baikal Lake (贝加尔湖畔) | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong Original recording by Li Jian (accordion accompaniment) | A popular Russian-style song in China, written by Chinese singer Li Jian. |
| Mohe Ballroom (漠河舞厅) | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong Vocal by Da Qiu (accordion accompaniment) |
A recent viral song in China with accordion elements. |
| Game of Thrones Theme | Accordion solo by Kai Zhong Accordion solo by my uni’s accordion society |
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| Pirates of the Caribbean Theme | Accordion solo by Mr. Accordion | - |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Theme | Accordion solo by Mr. Accordion | - |