The accordion is a traditional part of Bavarian folk music in Munich. Locals also call it Accordion or concertina. The instrument can be heard on many occasions in Munich and is a symbol of the city.
Accordion made from different materials
The Quetschn is a hand-pulled instrument. It actually consists of three parts, the treble part, the bass part and the bellows. The accordion is made from different materials. The body is made of wood, as are the resonator and the so-called tuning pins. The mechanical parts inside are made of metal. And also the reeds on the bass side. Buttons, keys and the casing are usually made of plastic.
The largest accordion manufacturers are in Italy
Cyrillus Damian, an organ maker from Vienna, is said to have built the first accordion and applied for a patent in 1829. However, Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann developed a similar instrument with bellows, keyboard and reeds as early as 1822.
Mathias Hohner produced the accordion in large numbers in the 1920s. Since then, the Swabian company has been known worldwide for the production of high-quality instruments. However, the most important manufacturers are to be found in Italy, in the province of Ancona. Silvio Scandalli began manufacturing accordions in 1900. He soon became one of the most sought-after producers of all.
Munich, city of accordion players
You can meet accordion players in many places in Munich. You can see them in beer gardens, at traditional Kocherlball, at the Oktoberfest or on private occasions. Since 1927 there has even been a pure Munich Accordion orchestra.
The city's most famous accordion player was Franzl Lang (1930 - 2015). The Sendlingen native learnt to play the instrument as a child. He made his first stage appearances as a young man. He soon got a recording contract as well as appearances on radio and television. As he was extremely good at yodelling, he was also hired as an actor for various Heimat films. Franzl Lang is one of the most successful folk musicians ever. He became best known for his Kufsteinlied.
