The accordion, or the “accordéon” in French (E 397) or “akkordeon” in German (E 399), can actually trace its roots back to ancient China. Around 3000 B.C.E., the cheng instrument appeared in China, the first known instrument to use free the vibrating reed pattern that is the basis for all accordions. For many centuries, the cheng and similar instruments went relatively unchanged, diffusing into Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries. Eventually, the next step towards the accordion was taken with the dawn of the portative organ, which rose and fell in popularity from the 15th to the 18th century. The exact origins of the first accordion are still subject to debate, but many believe Cyrillus Damian, a Viennese instrument maker, was the its true inventor, as he patented the first ever “Accordion” in 1829. Others would credit German inventor C. Friedrich L. Buschmann and his “Handäoline,” which had five keys and a manual bellows and was patented in 1822. Either way, the instrument quickly grew its rapport, and accordions had sprung loose in Europe.

Accordions have been played in numerous settings, from concerts to taverns, and since their invention they have developed to a large degree, with different variations emerging in terms of playing style or mechanics. One kind is called the button accordion, which, as its name suggests, has button keys instead of traditional keys.