The accordion in Finland: A 21st-century perspective?
It is not an exaggeration to say that the accordion holds a special place in musical life in Finland. For many, it instantly conjures the lively sounds of dances, summer festivals, or the comforting nostalgia of a bygone era. Others might associate it with the melancholic strains of a Finnish tango or even the lively buzz of a modern folk ensemble – not to mention televised accordion competitions for both children and adults.
But is this the full story? The accordion’s identity in Finland is both deeper and more complex than such snapshots suggest. “The popularity of the accordion neither knew nor recognised national boundaries,” writes Vesa Kurkela in his essay in this special issue. This boundary-defying aspect also characterises the accordion in Finland today.
Indeed, one of the accordion’s most striking features is its incredible versatility. It comfortably traverses genres, styles, and cultural spaces, moving effortlessly from the tango halls to the more experimental stages of contemporary music festivals. The instrument has increasingly become a mainstay of contemporary music, popular traditions, jazz, folk, and everything in between. This versatility speaks to its universal appeal, and its capacity for reinvention is part of what makes the accordion such a fascinating instrument.
To be more precise, we should perhaps be talking about instruments in the plural, as the accordion could also be categorised as a family of instruments with distinct forms, histories, and sonic possibilities. Regardless of the type, the portability of the accordion has been a significant factor in its cultural impact since its earliest steps in Finland. To exaggerate just a little, this compact instrument may even be called a self-contained orchestra, which is reflected in the diversity of its different uses. It has travelled effortlessly through time and across borders, thereby integrating itself into diverse musical traditions.
In Finland, the accordion has had a particularly intriguing journey. Introduced in the 19th century, it quickly gained popularity – although it took a significant amount of time before the instrument was actually accepted as “national heritage”, as Vesa Kurkela demonstrates in his article. By the mid-20th century, the accordion had become emblematic of Finnish dance music, yet its image has constantly been renegotiated by performers, composers, instrument makers and audiences who have recognised its potential in a variety of settings. Each of its many roles contributes to a vibrant mosaic. But how has this mosaic been compiled, and what does it look like in Finland today?
This special issue dives into these themes from multiple angles, both historical and contemporary. We invite you to discover, question, and enjoy this journey into the world of the accordion in Finland.
Featured picture created with DALL·E 3.