On May 23, 2024, Google honours the accordion with a special Doodle that honours the patent anniversary of the instrument. This beloved instrument, known for its distinctive bellows and cheery sound, has made its way into hearts and musical genres worldwide.
The Doodle itself was a delightful musical display. The Google logo was transformed into the accordion's bellows, with animated figures in traditional German attire dancing to the tunes. This paid homage to the instrument's German origin (the word "accordion" comes from the German word "akkord" meaning "chord") and its enduring popularity in folk music.
Source: Google Doodle
Google Doodle mentions: “Throughout the late 1800s, manufacturers in Germany increased their accordion production due to its popularity among folk musicians across Europe. Early accordions had buttons on just one side, and each of these buttons created the sound of an entire chord. Another impressive feature is that the same button could produce two chords — one when the bellows were expanding and another when the bellows were contracting.”
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What is the History of Accordion?
There's no clear-cut answer as to who invented the accordion. Some historians believe that it was C. Friedrich L. Buschmann in Germany, who patented his instrument called the Handäoline in 1822. Others point to Cyril Demian in Vienna, who got a patent for his own version which he simply called the Accordion in 1829 and is credited with giving the instrument its current name.
Britannica mentions: “The advent of the accordion is the subject of debate among researchers. Many credit C. Friedrich L. Buschmann, whose Handäoline was patented in Berlin in 1822, as the inventor of the accordion, while others give the distinction to Cyril Demian of Vienna, who patented his Accordion in 1829, thus coining the name.”
The accordion's journey around the globe mirrored the massive European migration of the 1800s. As people moved to new continents, like North America, they brought their accordions and their music. This global exchange is reflected in the instrument's many nicknames. According to Stage Music Center, Italians embraced it as the "Fisarmonica," while Russians called it the "Bayan." In China, it became the "Sun-Fin-Chin," Pakistan adopted the name "Harmonium," and Norwegians knew it as the "Trekspill." Each term reflects the unique cultural perspective of its region.
The doodle highlighted the instrument's versatility, showcasing its influence on jazz, classical, and even pop music. Google's description of the doodle referred to the accordion as a "folk musician's main squeeze," a playful nod to its portability and ease of use.
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This special doodle wasn't just a celebration of the accordion itself, but also a recognition of its lasting impact on the world of music. From lively jigs to soulful ballads, the accordion's unique sound continues to capture imaginations and bring joy to audiences everywhere.
Google Doodle mentions: “Today the instrument can be heard in folk music, the Latino polka, the tango, cajun music, and more! One event that the accordion is always present at is Oktoberfest. This lively festival is full of carnival fun, music, and traditional clothing like Dirndl dresses and lederhosen. With this melody maker in hand, everything goes accordion to plan! The traditional sound continues to influence German celebrations and music across the world 200 years later.”
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