"Accordionist Matthias Matzke has a deep passion for his instrument, and his inspiration goes beyond its sound. "You can really push yourself to the limit, and there's a correlation between muscle power and the sound produced," he said. Matzke's appreciation for the accordion began in his childhood."
"Germany's state music councils have been selecting an instrument of a year since 2008. This initiative highlights instruments that typically have a niche role in orchestras or are considered solo instruments, such as the mandolin in 2023 and the tuba in 2024. The focus is also on instruments that unite people across different musical genres. In 2026, it will be the accordion, which enjoys a prominent role in many cultures."
"Renowned performers showcase the accordion's versatility through captivating live performances. Social media is full of clips featuring accordionists performing feats you wouldn't normally associate with the instrument. Camilo Rivera from Chile plays the accordion while inline skating. Martynas Levickis from Lithuania floats in the clouds and plays his instrument in a hot air balloon. "At one point, the connection with the audience was lost due to the Wi-Fi being cut off. That was the highlight: Music vanished into the sky," Levickis told DW."
Matthias Matzke emphasizes physical engagement with the accordion and links muscle power to the sound produced. The accordion is the designated instrument of the year for 2026, chosen by state music councils that have highlighted niche or solo instruments since 2008. The initiative spotlights instruments that bridge musical genres and cultures, following prior selections like the mandolin, the tuba, and the human voice. Performers and social media creators are redefining the instrument through unconventional performances, including playing while inline skating, in a hot air balloon, and at techno festivals, helping to break the accordion's outdated image.
Read at www.dw.com
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