[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: Famous Songs from Around the World

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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 World Songs (21–30)

I WishStevie Wonder

I WISH (STEVIE WONDER) – Nori Nagasaka (Accordion)

I WishStevie Wonder

“I Wish,” written and composed by Grammy-winning singer Stevie Wonder as he reminisced about his childhood in the 1950s to early 1960s.

Its groove and nostalgic tone pair beautifully with the sound of the accordion, creating a piece that instantly captivates listeners with both the song and the instrument.

The song’s atmosphere, evoking warmth and fond memories, comes through fully even in an instrumental performance without lyrics.

A session with bass and percussion is highly recommended!

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C’est si bonHenri Betti

C’est si bon (Dragspel/Accordion)

C'est si bonHenri Betti

This song was composed by Henri Betti in 1947, with lyrics by André Hornez.

Famous recordings include those by Yves Montand and, in the United States, Louis Armstrong.

The piece is a chanson known for its brisk rhythm and bright atmosphere, and it is often performed on the accordion without vocals.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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[Accordion] Stylish & Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: World-famous Masterpieces (31–40)

Black eyesRoshia min’yō

Accordionist Yuko - Dark Eyes

Black eyesRoshia min'yō

This song originated in the 19th century as a Russian folk tune.

The title phrase “Black Eyes” is used as a symbol of a woman’s allure, and the lyrics portray the anguish of a man captivated by that charm.

Its wistful melody makes it a perfect piece for the accordion.

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AwakeningKomatsu Ryota

Mezame (Awakening) — Nescafé Gold Blend Theme

AwakeningKomatsu Ryota

It’s the theme song from the “Nescafé Gold Blend” commercial.

With a style that combines tango and classical symphony, it’s passionate, profound, grand, and moving.

While it has strong classical elements, it might really resonate if you’re looking for a bandoneon piece infused with Latin heat.

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In conclusion

Accordion music seems to fit perfectly even when the piece wasn’t originally written for it, and its bright tone somehow makes your heart dance the moment you hear it.

Besides the pieces we introduced here, there are many other songs that pair wonderfully with the accordion’s sound, so be sure to check them out on video sites as well!