![[Accordion] Stylish and Unforgettable Once You Hear Them: Famous Songs from Around the World](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/CktWfrze40w/maxresdefault.webp)
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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- Harmonica masterpieces: world-class performances you should hear at least once
- Masterpieces you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular songs that look cool if you can play them.
- 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
- Cello Masterpieces: A comprehensive introduction to exquisite classical works that let you savor its profound timbre
- Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
- [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)
Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe
A famous song from the Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle.
Many Ghibli works have an exotic atmosphere, and Howl in particular feels like that—it doesn’t belong to any specific country, but it gives that impression.
I think the sound of the accordion fits that image perfectly.
Adiós NoninoAstor Piazzolla
This is a very melodious piece that evokes Latin romanticism.
If you like the style of “Libertango,” this might especially hit the mark.
It’s passionate, sweet, and moving.
The melody is easy to get into and leaves a strong impression on the listener.
Highly recommended.
Style MusetteAndré Verchurenn
Regarded among accordion players as one of the standard pieces, “Style Musette” is a song that lets you savor the full charm of the accordion.
Its waltz, which conveys elegance amid a melancholic mood, transports listeners to the streets of Europe.
While it carries a sense of nostalgia, for Japanese listeners it may sound less like a reminder of a bygone domestic era and more like music that stirs a longing for foreign lands.
Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō
Taro Hakase’s “Jounetsu Tairiku” is a memorable piece that makes full use of the accordion’s characteristics.
Composed in a rush at the request of the program’s producer, the track—through its combination with the bandoneon—created a new melody that conveys the allure of tango to the modern era.
While the accordion’s timbre evokes fierce passion, the violin’s delicate melody gently embraces the listener’s heart.
Each listen brings new discoveries, and its appeal never fades no matter how many times you hear it.
It is an unforgettable masterpiece, richly imbued with Taro Hakase’s talent.
CzardasVittorio Monti
The word “Csárdás” comes from the Hungarian “csárda,” meaning “tavern.” Although it’s a famous piece often performed on the violin, performances on the accordion are also full of melancholy and create a distinctly different atmosphere.
Moon RiverHenry Mancini
It’s the famous song that Audrey Hepburn, the star of the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, sang.
That lovely atmosphere of her sitting by the window, playing the guitar and singing, is beautifully captured even with the instrument changed to an accordion.
Under the sky of ParisHubert Giraud
An accordion really does suit chanson.
This piece also appears as an insert song in the French film “Under the Paris Sky,” and it has lyrics; Édith Piaf’s recording is famous, though it’s often performed instrumentally as well.
The triple meter rhythm and the timbre of the accordion blend together, making it a wonderful piece no matter when you listen to it.
