HISTORY OF THE ACCORDION IN (FORMER) YUGOSLAVIAAca Krnjeva was one of the chromatic accordion specialists. He became a professional performer in the late 1920's.Among the best known of the next generation is Miodrag Todorovic Krnjevac, Aca Krnjevac's son. Born in 1924, he played in a similar style (folk and variety music) to his father, and later wrote a book about the accordion. Until the 1960's, the accordion was not associated with traditional Yugoslavian music. Today, it is a strong influence. In folk music, the accordion is very popular. More than half of all local accordion music is in a folk style. Bands contain at least one, and sometimes two, accordionists. The diversity of music differs in various ethnic regions. In Slovenia, the music is typical of that of the Alps; Waltzes and Polkas. In Macedonia, there is a richness of irregular rhythms, possibly due to an Oriental influence. Accordion tuition is growing, and there are a number of well respected accordionists in this part of the world. Teaching exists in schools, usually based on classical music. Folk music has retained the use of accordions, using the same traditional melodies and harmonies as they were thirty years ago. |
