[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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[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 timbre.
It depicts a young woman called Katyusha singing of her longing for her lover stationed as a border guard, expressing a poignant love and the hopes of people living under wartime conditions.
Although composed in 1938, during the German–Soviet War from 1941 to 1945 it was sung by many as a song honoring soldiers.
Its stirring melody has won the hearts of many, been translated into numerous languages, and become beloved around the world—one of the emblematic pieces of Russian music.
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.
Poem of the WindKomatsu Ryota
This is a piece from the TBS documentary program “THE World Heritage.” In this track, the bandoneon plays a multinational melody rather than a Latin-tinged timbre.
Befitting the theme of World Heritage, it’s a bright, grand, dignified, and moving composition.
Cute flowerSidney Bechet
Just by hearing it, ‘Petite Fleur’ can make you feel as if you’re traveling through Europe.
Composed by American clarinetist and composer Sidney Bechet, the song is widely known in Japan through the cover version that became The Peanuts’ debut single.
Its melody and sound evoke both nostalgia and an exotic atmosphere, pairing perfectly with the wistful tone of the accordion.
Since it has been covered all over the world, it’s also fun to enjoy the differences in instruments, languages, and arrangements.
LibertangoAstor Piazzolla
Strictly speaking, it’s a piece composed by Astor Piazzolla, a bandoneon player—a type of accordion—and it is one of the great classics of tango.
He created a unique style of performance that fused classical and jazz elements with traditional tango.
The piece was released in 1974 and is still beloved today as a standard in the tango repertoire.
La Vie en RoseÉdith Piaf
Now regarded as a standard and covered by many artists, this song was originally one of Édith Piaf’s signature numbers from 1946.
Its success reportedly came as a surprise to her, but English lyrics were later added, and it became even more popular.
The melody—familiar to almost everyone—pairs beautifully with the wistful sound of the accordion.
[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: Famous World Songs (21–30)
Scabroso
One piece said to have been handed down in Italy since old times is “Scabroso.” The composer and the detailed background of its creation are unknown, but its light, characteristically Italian melodic lines are still loved by many.
At first listen, it gives off a cheerful vibe.
However, there’s another way to interpret it.
In fact, the title “Scabroso” can mean “troublesome.” With that in mind, you might picture a man flustered and scrambling as he’s beset by problems.
