The accordion was invented in the early 19th century and in that relatively short period of time, it has become an integral part of folk music throughout the world. Daniel talks with Michal Shapiro who produced a 3 cd collection of accordion music from across the planet. This compendium is especially interesting because much of the music defies the stereotype of accordion music as only good for polkas and German beer halls. Shapiro says one reason you find accordions in most countries is because missionaries brought them in as a substitute for church organs and though it's popular as a folk instrument, the accordion still struggles to be accepted as a "serious" instrument by the classical music world. The cd collection is called 'Planet Squeezebox' and is on the Ellipsis Arts record label.
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