[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: Famous Songs from Around the World
Since its birth in the 18th century, the accordion has been beloved around the world, especially in Europe.
With roots in the Chinese sheng, this instrument enchants listeners with a stylish and resplendent tone that instantly evokes images of Europe’s cobblestone streets, continuing to captivate hearts for many years.
Here, we’ve gathered works that feature the accordion as the main instrument, as well as pieces that pair beautifully with its sound.
Each selection showcases the accordion’s unique charm—enjoy them to the very end!
- [Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: Famous Songs from Around the World
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- Piano Medley: World-Class Masterpieces and Popular Songs
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
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- [Winter Songs] Classic Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter.
- [Classical] Exquisite Tones: Masterpieces and Popular Pieces for Pipe Organ
[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable World Masterpieces (1–10)
Bésame MuchoConsuelo Velázquez
Bésame Mucho, composed by the Mexican female composer Consuelo Velázquez when she was just 17.
Hearing this sultry melody that expresses a sweet longing for love, who would imagine it was created by a 17-year-old girl? Said to be the most covered Spanish-language song, it has been translated into various languages and sung around the world.
With a blend of chic elegance and passionate atmosphere, this piece pairs exquisitely with the plaintive timbre of the accordion—so much so that one might almost mistake it for music written for the instrument.
La CumparsitaGerardo Matos Rodríguez
La Cumparsita, composed in 1916 by Uruguayan composer and pianist Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, is his signature work and an undisputed tango classic.
In his homeland of Uruguay, it is affectionately known as the “second national anthem” or the “national anthem of tango,” and it is also embraced in Argentina as a quintessential Argentine tango, loved by many as if it were their own national song.
The tango’s distinctive rhythm and the accordion’s tone—combining passionate intensity with a seductive allure—are an exceptionally perfect match, earning the piece widespread acclaim as a masterpiece for the accordion.
Aux Champs-ÉlyséesMichael Wilshaw
This song is inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
In Japan, it became a huge hit as a French song and was long treated as chanson or French pop, but in fact it is said to be based on a song released in the UK in 1968.
The song, which was also a hit in Japan, had Japanese lyrics written for it and was covered.
[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable World Masterpieces (11–20)
KatyushaMatvey Blanter
Katyusha, a Russian folk song that pairs perfectly with the nostalgic atmosphere evoked by the accordion’s mellow tones.
It depicts the bittersweet feelings of a girl called Katyusha who sings for her lover serving on border patrol, as well as the hopes of people living under wartime conditions.
Composed in 1938, the song was widely sung as a tribute to soldiers during the German–Soviet War between 1941 and 1945.
Its moving melody has been loved by many, translated into numerous languages, and cherished around the world as one of the representative pieces of Russian music.
The Last WaltzBarry Mason／Les Reed
The Last Waltz is a love song that became a massive hit when sung by Engelbert Humperdinck, a British pop singer who was immensely popular with women for his charming looks and voice in 1967.
It reached No.
1 on the UK charts and No.
25 in the US.
Its wistful melody also makes it a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with the accordion.
La MerCharles Trenet
It is a song composed by French lyricist-composer and chanson singer Charles Trenet, and “La Mer” means “the sea.” In English it is known as “Beyond the Sea” and is loved around the world.
It was also used as the ending song for the Disney animated film Finding Nemo.
Kass’s Theme (from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)Iwata Yasuaki
“Kass’s Theme,” the BGM from the popular game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, is notable for its distinctive accordion sound.
While it serves as the theme song for Kass, the accordionist who appears in the game, the piece brims with stylishness that evokes European streetscapes and a sense of excitement that stirs the spirit of adventure.
Its memorable melody captivates players, has earned strong support from many accordionists, and is loved by artists overseas as well.