Accordion: Encyclopedia II - Accordion - Free bass systems

Accordion - Free bass systems

There are various free bass systems in use; most consist of a rotated version or mirror image of one of the melody layouts used in chromatic button accordions. One notable exception is the Titano line of converter bass, which repeats the first two bass rows of the Stradella system one and two octaves higher moving outward from the bellows.

Skillfull use of the free bass system enabled the performance of classical piano music, rather than music arranged specifically for the accordion's standard chorded capability. Beginning in the 1960s, competitive performance on the accordion of classical piano compositions, by the great masters of music, occurred. Although never mainstreamed in the larger musical scene, this convergence with traditional classical music propelled young accordionists to an ultimate involvement with classical music heretofore not experienced.

Many modern and avant-garde composers (such as Sofia Gubaidulina, Luciano Berio and Magnus Lindberg) have written for the free bass accordion and the instrument is becoming more frequently integrated into new music chamber and improvisation groups.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Free bass systems", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki