Google Doodle on Thursday (May 23) celebrated the ‘accordion’, a German musical instrument patented on this day in 1829, affectionately referred to as a folk musician’s “main squeeze.” “The traditional sound continues to influence German celebrations and music across the world 200 years later,” Google Doodle said.
Google Doodles, temporary alterations of the Google logo, commemorate various themes such as holidays, significant dates, and influential individuals who have contributed notably to society. The Doodle’s music-themed artwork showcased the “Google” logo integrated within the bellows of an accordion, portrayed being played while artists adorned in traditional German attire danced to its tunes.
Accordion – German heritage instrument
The term “accordion” finds its roots in the German word akkord (chord), as highlighted by Google Doodle. Developed in the early 1800s alongside instruments like the concertina, bandoneon, and harmonium, the accordion has maintained its traditional sound, continuing to influence German celebrations and music worldwide even two centuries later. This free-reed instrument, featuring bellows, has left its mark on various music genres, including pop, jazz, folk, and classical.
All you need to know about Accordion
- An accordion is a portable free-reed musical instrument comprising a treble section with piano-style keys or buttons and a bass section typically equipped with buttons, both connected to opposite sides of manually operated bellows.
- In the late 19th century, German manufacturers boosted accordion production to meet the increasing demand among European folk musicians.
- Initially featuring buttons on a single side, each producing a full chord, accordions evolved to generate two different chords depending on whether the bellows were pushed or pulled.
- The accordion’s popularity spread globally with European emigrants, leading to its adoption in various music styles. Modern variants may feature buttons or a piano keyboard, with some models incorporating both.
- Today, the accordion thrives in genres such as folk music, Latino polka, tango, and cajun music, serving as a staple at Oktoberfest, renowned for its carnival atmosphere, music, and traditional attire like Dirndls and lederhosen.
