The Da Vinci Code(ion) 🎹

[Walker]

I always knew there was something extra special about the piano accordion. An undeniably handsome and uncluttered design that exudes elegance and, I guess, shares the classic keyboard looks with the other centuries old keyboard instruments. Of course, the piano accordion has a different angle on music, thanks to it's vertical and not horizontal keyboard playing position. A stroke of genius? Undoubtedly, and I guess we have Leonardo da Vinci to thank for the piano accordion design...






This last video is quite marvellous and shows the ancient accordion design in duet. The accordion by Leonardo Da Vinci built by Mario Buonoconto from a sketch written in the Atlantic Codex. The accordion is played by its owner, Denis Biasin, accompanied by cello (Riccardo Pes).

 

[Walker]

Here's another adaptation of the da Vinci accordion in a more portable package:

 

[Dingo40]

Here's another adaptation of the da Vinci accordion in a more portable package:

Well spotted, Walker!
Is there no end to the ingenuity!?

 

[Ffingers]

Brilliant finds there.

Your posting them is much appreciated.

 

[Walker]

Well spotted, Walker!
Is there no end to the ingenuity!?

Brilliant finds there.

Your posting them is much appreciated.

Thanks guys. I know I was being a bit scampish and playful by introducing the piano accordion as a da Vinci original. However, joking aside, I think in the unfolding story of the accordion (in all its forms) that began with the sheng to eventually become the modern concert accordion and bayan, it is quite a wonderful compliment to our instrument that a great genius would sketch such a design all those centuries ago. The accordion was always destined to be a special instrument group and I think it will go from strength to strength over the times to come.