Madagascar: The Accordion of the Masikoro Country

Description

The diatonic button accordion, from the beginning of the 19th century, achieved real success in traditional rites, secular festivities, and love songs..., offering a new aesthetic to masikoro music in the southwest of the Big Island.The appropriation of the instrument by the Masikoro begins with the modification of its scale, to conform it to the indigenous ear and music. This involves trimming the accordion reeds to create a "prepared accordion." Since the instrument is very difficult to find new, musicians therefore play on old models inherited from fathers, sometimes grandfathers. Repaired several times, they produce noises and bellows slaps that become elements of expression in the music.Often accompanied by songs, rattles, and drums, the accordion now occupies a major place in various traditional rites such as possession sessions, exorcism ceremonies, circumcision, or funerals. It also accompanies dance and songs of nostalgia, and sometimes the end of market days.