Quick Background:
The accordion was patented on the 23rd of May, 1829. It became popular as a "worker's instrument" in folk music until its decline in the 1950's and 60's as mainstream music gained way. The young instrument had technical limitations and the most important of these was overcome with the invention of free bass systems that play single notes on each button rather than the standard bass layout, which plays 3-note chords on almost every button. This happened after its decline. It allows for melody on the bass side, and makes it more eligible for classical music. Unfortunately most people still play the old ones. The new ones may be considered the Steinways of accordions, and for a decent one they start at $10,000.
A slowly growing movement of interest in classical played and/or composed for the accordion exists, mainly in East Europe and Russia. The powerhouses seem to be Russia, the Bosnia/Herzegovina area, Poland and Germany. Contemporary and avant garde composers make works for this instrument, often as a result of being acquainted with individual virtuoso accordionists. Piano, cembalo and organ works can be played without transcription. The Russians in particular like the accordion: they've invented their own version called the "Bayan", which has a few design and sound improvements.
YouTube Performances
Antonio Vivaldi (Baroque)
Op. 3 - L'estro Armonico, No. 11
Op. 8 - The Four Seasons: "L'estate" (Summer) - 3. Allegro
Op. 8 - The Four Seasons: "L'inverno" (Winter) - 1. Allegro non molto
Domenico Scarlatti (Baroque)
K. 13 - Sonata in G Major
K. 39 - Sonata in A Major
K. 98 - Sonata in E minor
K. 113 - Sonata in A Major
K. 141 - Sonata in d minor
K. 159 - Sonata in C Major
K. 162 - Sonata in E Major
K. 336 - Sonata in D Major
K. 375 - Sonata in G Major
Franz Schubert
D. 780 - Six Moments Musicaux - 3. Allegretto moderato in F minor
D. 821 - Arpeggione Sonata in A minor on Clarinet and Accordion
D. 857 - "Leise flehen, meine Lieder"
Schubert-Liszt Valtz-Caprice
Johann Sebastian Bach (Baroque)
BWV 147 - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire
BWV 565 - 1. Toccata in d minor
BWV 565 - 2. Fugue in d minor
BWV 659 - Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland
BWV 772 - Invention in C Major
BWV 782 - Invention in g minor
BWV 784 - Invention in a minor
BWV 848 - Prelude & Fugue in C# Major
BWV 876 - Prelude & Fugue in E# Major
BWV 883 - Prelude & Fugue in F# minor
BWV 1067 - 7. Badinerie
BWV 1080 - Contrapunctus No. 1
Viatcheslav Semionov (Contemporary/Avant Garde)
Brahmsiana
Bulgarian Suite, 2nd movement
Bulgarian Suite, 3rd movement
Caprice No. 1
Caprice No. 2 ("S.O.S.")
Don's Rhapsody
Fantasia on the theme of the song "Guelder Rose" by Jan Frenkel (There's a short break at 00:58)
Sonata No.1 for Accordion (Part 1)
Sonata No. 1 for Accordion (Part 2)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Classical)
K. 488 - Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major - 2. Adagio
K. 525 - Serenade no. 13 ("Eine Kleine Nachtmusik") - 1. Allegro
K. 626 - Sequenz - 7. Lacrimosa
Alright, I'm getting tired but can find more later if people like what's already up...
Seems there's a preference among performers to play Baroque works biggrin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aipSwSjq0fk (a Chopin waltz, don't know the opus number or title)
Enjoy xp
