Accordions Rising

Accordions Rising is a fascinating 2015 documentary that delves deep into the world of the accordion, an instrument often overlooked, yet bursting with a rich heritage. Directed by Roberta Cantow, the film brings to life the fascinating characters who navigate the unique domain of the accordion and propels it out of its clichéd realm of polka and into new, unfamiliar territories of music. This exploration gives viewers a rare glimpse of the instrument's wide-ranging capabilities, stretching beyond familiar terrains to foray into jazz, experimental, and contemporary classical music genres.

The film stars renowned accordionists Rachelle Garniez, Will Holshouser, Guy Klucevsek, Pauline Oliveros, and Frank Petrilli, who not only demonstrate the instrument's vast, untapped potential but also share their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs along with their love for accordion music. These masterful musicians push the boundaries of what is conventionally known to be possible on the accordion, breathing new life into its repertoire and challenging the negative stereotypes usually associated with the instrument.

Accordions Rising begins with an intriguing introduction to the history of the accordion, tracing back its invention in the 19th century and its rise and fall in popularity. It addresses the preconceived notions about the accordion being a novelty relic or something one would merely encounter in a beer garden or a polka party. The film's strength lies in how it actively deconstructs the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the accordion, offering an intimate portrayal of its versatility and allure.

Each of the multiple profiles featured in the film, from avant-garde artist Pauline Oliveros to jazz innovator Will Holshouser, provides an individual account of a musician's unique relationship with the accordion. These profiles map out the various pathways these artists have taken to cultivate a rewarding artistic life around the accordion, revealing how they have overcome the presumptions that shadow over their art. As if stripping away the layers from the instrument itself, they reveal their journeys and the astounding range of music they have created and embodied through the accordion.

Rachelle Garniez, known for her eclectic blend of accordion styles, paints a vivid picture of her rendezvous with the instrument while Guy Klucevsek, a pioneer of the contemporary accordion music scene, exhibits his extraordinary compositions that have challenged traditional music norms. Frank Petrilli, on the other hand, showcases his mastery in traditional Italian music on the accordion, further highlighting the instrument's diversity and stylistic agility.

The cinematography of Accordions Rising is just as compelling as its narrative. Using a combination of interviews, performances, and solo pieces, the film creates an enchanting fusion of sounds and visuals, while the scenic backdrops create a fitting atmosphere that adds color to the captivating tales of the musicians.

Accordions Rising also pays tribute to the unsung heroes, the architects behind the scenes – the enthusiasts, teachers, and the lesser-known accordionists. It honours their passion, commitment, and their instrumental roles in preserving and promoting the accordion tradition in the face of waning popularity and obscurity.

Simultaneously enlightening and entertaining, Accordions Rising serves as an educational platform and a source of inspiration. It makes a powerful case for the accordion’s relevance to contemporary music, opening up viewers to the thrilling realization that the accordion is not just an antiquated relic consigned to niche genres but an instrument of considerable versatility soaked in history and unexplored potential. It’s a celebration of the evolution of the accordion, its impact on the musicians, and its promising future in the realm of global music.

Above all, Accordions Rising is about daring and defiant artists refusing to conform, rejecting the mainstream idea of “acceptable” or "popular" instruments, and boldly following their passion towards a less trodden path. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in music, cultural history, or curious about venturing beyond the realm of conventional musical knowledge. It's a love letter to the accordion, an invitation to hear, see, and appreciate this instrument in a brand new light.